Metformin and weight issue

[Marg]

On being diagnosed diabetic I was prescribed Metformin which helped me to lose weight at 1lb a month I was so pleased to lose two and half stone over 2/3 years. However my medication was changed to a slow release metformin since when I have GAINED weight at a rate of about one pound a month. there has been no change other than that of slow release metformin. Has anyone had the same experience. G.P and diabetic nurse say changing to the slow release medication would not cause weight gain.

 

[Northerner]

Hi Marg, welcome to the forum 🙂 I don't take metformin myself, so can't share any experiences, but I was wondering why you were changed to the slow-release version if you were doing fine with the ordinary version?

 

[Sazzaroo]

Hi Marg,

Good to have you on the forum, welcome 🙂

I noticed when I first went on Met I dropped a decent amount then stopped and found it gaining again. To be honest with you I don't actually know if I am on slow release or not. I just take 2 x 500mg twice a day. I would like to find out though.

 

[LeeLee]

Hi Marg, I never had to go any further than the standard Metformin 2x500mg either. I did lose a lot of weight, but that wasn't only due to the M. I also joined Slimming World. The first 4 stone went in 6 months. This latest stone is taking months to shift, despite much more effort. Good luck with your attempts and if you do go to SW, there are a few of us out here who swear by it and can offer help and advice.

Sazaroo, unless the drug name on the box has a SR in the name you're on the standard stuff.

 

[ch1ps]

I take the slow release (metabet it is called on my box).

Not noticed any weight loss this time, but certainly it has reduced the amount of insulin I have to inject by almost half.

 

[chris7]

I was on metformin for a couple of weeks but was feeling unwell so was changed to slow release. however I am starving all the time since I was diagnosed! My gp and diabetic nurse tell me that that isn't possible but it is! I haven't lost any weight either and have thankfully stayed the same weight (not put on because of eating more). I actually came on here to ask anyone if this is normal or am I the only one? Any ideas on not being hungry constantly please let me know.

 

[Northerner]

I was on metformin for a couple of weeks but was feeling unwell so was changed to slow release. however I am starving all the time since I was diagnosed! My gp and diabetic nurse tell me that that isn't possible but it is! I haven't lost any weight either and have thankfully stayed the same weight (not put on because of eating more). I actually came on here to ask anyone if this is normal or am I the only one? Any ideas on not being hungry constantly please let me know.

It should pass. I was absolutely ravenous all the time when I was first diagnosed, but gradually started to feel more normal. I think it may have something to do with the fact that, when you are first diagnosed and your levels are high, even though you are probably feeding yourself well your body can't use the energy (hence peeing it all away constantly!). Once you are diagnosed and your body starts to use energy more normally it starts getting your feelings of hunger and satiety back on track, which may take some time.

That's my theory anyway! 🙂

 

[chris7]

I do hope your theory is right Northerner

 

[Marg]

Thanks for reply NORTHERNER MyGP changed me to slow release as I was having bouts where my blood sugar was dropping.

 

[Marg]

Hi Marg, I never had to go any further than the standard Metformin 2x500mg either. I did lose a lot of weight, but that wasn't only due to the M. I also joined Slimming World. The first 4 stone went in 6 months. This latest stone is taking months to shift, despite much more effort. Good luck with your attempts and if you do go to SW, there are a few of us out here who swear by it and can offer help and advice.

Sazaroo, unless the drug name on the box has a SR in the name you're on the standard stuff.

Thanks Lee Lee. I am eating a sensible diet and have upped my daily exercise. I really feel I couldn't eat any less hence my frustration in having started my weight gain. you are doing really well with your weight loss - congratulations. You should be proud of yourself!!!!

 

[Northerner]

Thanks for reply NORTHERNER MyGP changed me to slow release as I was having bouts where my blood sugar was dropping.

That seems a strange course of action I don't understand why they didn't lower your dose of the ordinary stuff if you weren't having any problem with it (i.e. no side-effects). I don't see how changing you to a different type of metformin would make any difference - are you now on a different dose?

Do you know what your blood sugar was when it dropped?

 

[Marg]

That seems a strange course of action I don't understand why they didn't lower your dose of the ordinary stuff if you weren't having any problem with it (i.e. no side-effects). I don't see how changing you to a different type of metformin would make any difference - are you now on a different dose?

Do you know what your blood sugar was when it dropped?

I now take slow release metformin twice a day as opposed to three a day when on original metformin. I dont know what blood sugar was when it dropped as I don't have a moniter to read blood sugar as G.P said I didn't need one.