Medication side effects

[ANN WHITELOCK]

Hi
New here - hello everyone
Does anybody on here get side effects from taking the medication for Type 2 Diabetes?
I have vomiting and diarrhea which, after various tests, can be attributed to the side effects of the medication I am currently taking to control my Diabetes.
My question is, does anybody else suffer with this, and if so, besides taking yet other medications to help control this, are there any methods/Dietary changes I can make?
Many thanks

 

[indio02]

My question is, does anybody else suffer with this, and if so, besides taking yet other medications to help control this, are there any methods/Dietary changes I can make?

Have been on slow release Metformin for about 4 months. The first week the diarrhea was horrendous to to point I had to take a week off work. Its now settled down but still not had a normal movement since. Don't know what to suggest

 

[Docb]

Hi @ANN WHITELOCK and welcome to the forum.

The first line diabetes medications, particularly metformin, are prone to the side effects you mention.

If you read around the forum you will find that most people taking it have no side effects.

For most of those who get side effects, these generally settle fairly quickly, particularly if the dose is built up slowly.

There is a small group for whom the side effects are horrendous and do not settle down - you may be in that group.

The best thing is to go back to your GP and explain the problems you are having and ask for some alternative treatment. There are plenty to go at!

Would you like to tell us what meds you are on and what your HbA1c was? It would help others with thoughts on things that might help.

 

[Leadinglights]

You do sound to be experiencing the side effects of metformin which some people get. Generally the dose should be built up gradually over a few weeks and if taken with food, mid meal that can help. But do go back to your GP and ask for slow release version or an alternative. However dietary changes are equally important and many find a low carb approach successful and is something to try first if your HbA1C is not too high so just into the diabetic zone.
This link may help with some ideas for modifying your diet if a low carb way appeals to you. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
There are other dietary ways people also try and there are some menu plans on the main DUK site.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear about the difficult time you are having @ANN WHITELOCK

It does sound like you perhaps should go back to the GP and ask for alternatives, or to try menu changes alone (diet and exercise) if that is appropriate for you.

If it’s Metformin you are on, have you been offered the SR (slow release) version?

Do you know the result of your most recent HbA1c?

How long ago did you get your diagnosis with diabetes?

 

[gilly.t2]

Metformin was awful for me and I was changed to Sukkarto ----- can't say I am a lot better on this but it's manageable - I am trying to get off the tablets altogether but whether I manage that - is another matter ! Last November I was put on Sitigliptin (sp?) --- that totally destroyed my life really, I couldn't plan anything for fear of being away from a loo - and really wasn't able to go to a public loo - thankfully I have now lost weight and got my points down and was taken off the sitigliptin. I really don't think Diabetes meds are good for any of us but better than the alternative if you know what I mean.

 

[Mrs Bee]

I started on metformin last week, it’s slow release and I’ve only gone only the second tablet a few days ago… I’m feeling quite awful from the side effects too

 

[Nayshiftin]

It is not easy getting medication that suits everyone and as the other have said the best advice is to go back to the prescriber
I could not cope with the side effects of Metformin and would rather not have medication.
That is my choice and not the best as it really means that I have to be responsible for my blood sugar.
Medication if type 2 is there to get you to a point you can manage what you eat and keep your blood sugars at a safe level.
This safe level is not just take a tablet eat what you like .
Diabetes is a real wake up call telling you , your blood sugars are going to make you ill if you ignore them
It is serious. Even if it is type 2 there is a lot to take on board.
So do not feel you are wasting the G.P's or DN's time.
I have started the Low carb plan with Diabetes UK. not this site as this is .org but I have found my stomach has not settled on that very easy. Trying a probiotic today and it is helping a little. I am drinking more water and being sensible with my food intake too.
I went in too fast this time as I panicked. I really hate the side effects of medication but for some it will settle and will help them. I still have not got to safe control but it is early days on the diet. You do need to explain to your GP if you are doing this as it would not be safe to just stop medication and do as I have done.
I did explain to my DN that under me having control I did not want medication. No one does but there is slow release to try and also many other drugs that might suit you.
So the first call should be with the prescriber and go from there.
Diabetes might go into remission so it is for life.
I tried to ignore it and it got a whole lot worse.
So please look after yourself and seek medical advise.