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Max dose metformin - what's next?

TerryP

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi - I have been moved to metformin extended release as I wasn't tolerating the standard release tablets. I'm on the max dose of 2000mg per day as well as gliclazide. I'm not doing very well on the extended release either, reflux at night up into my throat, I have been physically sick and my stomach is all over the place. I moved to the max dose 8 days ago. I'm seeing the GP on Tuesday and was wondering what options there are if he/she takes me off the metformin. How close does this take me to the needle? The sad thing is that the metformin extended is working at this dosage as my number are pretty much around the 7 mark whereas before I was spiking up to 13 or 14 before meals.

Thanks
 
Hi - I have been moved to metformin extended release as I wasn't tolerating the standard release tablets. I'm on the max dose of 2000mg per day as well as gliclazide. I'm not doing very well on the extended release either, reflux at night up into my throat, I have been physically sick and my stomach is all over the place. I moved to the max dose 8 days ago. I'm seeing the GP on Tuesday and was wondering what options there are if he/she takes me off the metformin. How close does this take me to the needle? The sad thing is that the metformin extended is working at this dosage as my number are pretty much around the 7 mark whereas before I was spiking up to 13 or 14 before meals.

Thanks
You should not have to put up with a medication which you are unable to tolerate. Have you tried just being on the gliclazide alone as that would be an option as long as you are also making dietary adjustments. There are a few other medications that could be prescribed but again they all have potential side effects, it just depends on the individual.
 
Hi - I have been moved to metformin extended release as I wasn't tolerating the standard release tablets. I'm on the max dose of 2000mg per day as well as gliclazide. I'm not doing very well on the extended release either, reflux at night up into my throat, I have been physically sick and my stomach is all over the place. I moved to the max dose 8 days ago. I'm seeing the GP on Tuesday and was wondering what options there are if he/she takes me off the metformin. How close does this take me to the needle? The sad thing is that the metformin extended is working at this dosage as my number are pretty much around the 7 mark whereas before I was spiking up to 13 or 14 before meals.

Thanks
you really are anxious regarding any change of medication
and the possibility that you will require non oral medication aren’t you @TerryP

I am hopeful either I or some of the others of us here on the forum
can alleviate your concern

I picked up on your comment as how you referred to the needle (and maybe I’ve made an assumption there) but thought I knew what you were thinking

am I right- sorry if I read to much into that
as some say, never ass-ume anything

also what kind of things are you eating
have you already gone lower carb / diet weight exercise etc ..
 
I too was like you more than 25 years ago. Top of the Metformin and still not achieving any good results. In those days, it was still the NHS “healthy plate” which as we know now, was a bit rubbish for diabetics. They offered me insulin which I was not keen on and at the first clinic I went to I was petrified. I sat next to a little lad of about 8 and he did his first injection without any issues. I was literally shaking, and feeling a bit of a fool to be honest. So reel forward in time, lower carbs are now the thing and this time my Hba1c was 40. I am now quite happy with injections and don’t even think about them. I think if you give it a try, I know it’s hard, but you will be happier and your health will improve. The needles are now so tiny, I have to have my reading glasses on to see what I’m doing
 
I’d look up the flozin category of drugs, as that’s probably one of the next ones they’d try you on.
 
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