Meds Review Query

[Sharron1]

First meds review due since being diagnosed. When I had all my annual checks a few weeks ago the nurse was really impressed that I had gone from 74 to 39 in such a short while and muttered something that the Dr might reduce the tabs.I take 2 Met am and pm. TBH taking the tabs cause me no problems but reducing them will mean I will start fingerpricking again regularly to see how everything is. I really don't want to do that. I just wondered if there is any long term damage the tabs can do or should I see if the Dr will be happy for me to continue for at least until next review late 2020. I realise that reducing them is the only way to find out how the Diabetes is day- to -day. But...

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I just wondered if there is any long term damage the tabs can do

I suspect there's risks to just about everything, but I think metformin's relatively safe. Also cheap, I think.

 

[Drummer]

Surely you know what not to eat by now - the only reason to check would be if you introduce different foods.

 

[Sharron1]

That is correct but I am unsure what part the metformin plays in this and the only way to find out is if the Dr wants to reduce the dosage, then the only way to find out if there is a problem is to go back to finger pricking and that is really what I don't want to do. The diet remains the same and is not unpleasant at all.

 

[Flower]

Fabulous results @Sharron1 , well done to you 🙂

Metformin does offer some protection against cardiovascular risks and also cholesterol so as well as the main use there may be benefits from remaining on the tablets at an appropiate level. I realise that's not what you're asking but worth discussing any other benefits the medication may be giving you.

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-t...our-diabetes/tablets-and-medication/metformin

The last paragraph deals with other uses.

 

[Sharron1]

Fabulous results @Sharron1 , well done to you 🙂

Metformin does offer some protection against cardiovascular risks and also cholesterol so as well as the main use there may be benefits from remaining on the tablets at an appropiate level. I realise that's not what you're asking but worth discussing any other benefits the medication may be giving you.

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-t...our-diabetes/tablets-and-medication/metformin

The last paragraph deals with other uses.

Thanks, that clarifies my getting into negotiation mode with the GP .

 

[Eddy Edson]

There's supposed to be an association between long-term Met use and risk of Vit B12 deficiency. But note the "long term", plus I haven't seen anything which does much of a job of quantifying the actual risk. Maybe talk with yr doc about it, I suppose.

First meds review due since being diagnosed. When I had all my annual checks a few weeks ago the nurse was really impressed that I had gone from 74 to 39 in such a short while and muttered something that the Dr might reduce the tabs.I take 2 Met am and pm. TBH taking the tabs cause me no problems but reducing them will mean I will start fingerpricking again regularly to see how everything is. I really don't want to do that. I just wondered if there is any long term damage the tabs can do or should I see if the Dr will be happy for me to continue for at least until next review late 2020. I realise that reducing them is the only way to find out how the Diabetes is day- to -day. But...

 

[Sharron1]

There's supposed to be an association between long-term Met use and risk of Vit B12 deficiency. But note the "long term", plus I haven't seen anything which does much of a job of quantifying the actual risk. Maybe talk with yr doc about it, I suppose.

Ta. I will have a quick mention within my 10 minute slot

 

[Sharron1]

I stopped taking Metformin after suffering severe stomach cramps, but that was with DN approval as my levels were good. They crept back up a little in the days after I stopped but then started dropping again and are currently the lowest they've been since diagnosis. I continued to test after coming off as my DN said to come back if they go above 8 but that was back in April. So far so good. I don't like to take medication unless absolutely necessary.

Martin

Ta. I know the only way to really find out is to come off the stuff. The nurse was so impressed especially when i told her I have only had three high numbers (8-9) since diagnosis in the early days.She just looked at me. Typical contrary me

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I think it’s entirely up to you @Sharron1 - metformin seems to be a fairly gentle support for people’s metabolisms to aid glucose uptake and slightly reduce liver shananigans too I think.

Your levels are excellent, and it well and truly looks as if you have your diabetes behaving itself from what you’ve said. I wouldn’t imagine you would have any major problems if you stopped taking the tablets.

Have a chat with your GP, explain your thinking and try to understand theirs. Diabetes is often best played as a ‘team sport’ 🙂

 

[karloc]

I gave up Metformin after 4 days not because I had any issues just because I was able to keep my BGs in 4s and 5s and in my mind I have a better chance of reducing insulin through diet and life style changes rather than relying on metformin to reduce my insulin resistance.

You should be able to work with your doctor on a plan for reducing your metformin.

And a big congratulation on getting to this point

 

[Sharron1]

Thank you. I do want to make good use of my 10min slot with the GP. I suspect i am overthinking the whole thing. Not for the first time

I think it’s entirely up to you @Sharron1 - metformin seems to be a fairly gentle support for people’s metabolisms to aid glucose uptake and slightly reduce liver shananigans too I think.

Your levels are excellent, and it well and truly looks as if you have your diabetes behaving itself from what you’ve said. I wouldn’t imagine you would have any major problems if you stopped taking the tablets.

Have a chat with your GP, explain your thinking and try to understand theirs. Diabetes is often best played as a ‘team sport’ 🙂

 

[KARNAK]

Well done Sharron great result, have a talk with your doc he/she should be able too inform you of the correct decision to make.