Metformin - Is it slow to start working?

[harbottle]

I did a similar thing - cut carbs to < 50, but I didn't test for 3 months.

I had a free Libre sensor, so I put that one just before the next hba1c and could see everything was normal with the food I was eating.

I have no idea where this 130g figure comes from - probably made up - but the amount of carbs you can eat probably depends on level of insulin resistance and the amount of beta cells still functioning. I suspect if I had 40g of carbs per meal, then my hba1c would shoot back up again. I very rarely go over 20g per meal.

 

[RBZ5416]

@Kevin Marx
It's often recommended to purchase a glucose meter so that you can test before & after a meal, to see exactly what effect that particular meal has on you. Do this for the same meal at least a couple of times as it's possible to be affected differently at different times. I recently took a free trial of the Libre 2 CGM & that's been quite an eye opener, as it shows the complete glucose rise & fall (including peak), rather than just providing before & after snapshots.

You only get a single sensor that lasts 14 days, two of which will probably be a bit erratic as it settles in. But if you diligently record all meals & levels over that period, it will give you valuable information going forward. Abbott's is probably one of the worst web sites out there & the sign-up is truly painful. I gave up last time I tried but wanted another go as I've just stopped insulin altogether & wanted a better understanding of exactly what was going on since.

I now think all newly diagnosed T2s should try the Libre. For those determined to make the necessary changes it's an invaluable tool. I also suspect some of those less motivated might also be shocked into action by a Time in Range graph, rather than a series on numbers on a meter.

 

[Proud to be erratic]

I also suspect some of those less motivated might also be shocked into action by a Time in Range graph, rather than a series on numbers on a meter.

I suspect that even more so for those T1s who have allowed time to overtake their awareness of recent tech and now can't be bothered to take on CGM. I have a cousin (c. 50 yrs T1) who won't adapt, despite lengthy periods of limited managed control.

 

[Drummer]

I did a similar thing - cut carbs to < 50, but I didn't test for 3 months.

I had a free Libre sensor, so I put that one just before the next hba1c and could see everything was normal with the food I was eating.

I have no idea where this 130g figure comes from - probably made up - but the amount of carbs you can eat probably depends on level of insulin resistance and the amount of beta cells still functioning. I suspect if I had 40g of carbs per meal, then my hba1c would shoot back up again. I very rarely go over 20g per meal.

It is thought that the adult Human brain requires 130gm of glucose a day to function - but of course, recommending that we eat that amount of carbohydrate every single day without fail is how to flag up ignorance of Human metabolism.

 

[Sarahp]

Just had metformin slow release added to my prescription and has taken over a week to get the benefit of it.

 

[Proud to be erratic]

I suspect that even more so for those T1s who have allowed time to overtake their awareness of recent tech and now can't be bothered to take on CGM. I have a cousin (c. 50 yrs T1) who won't adapt, despite lengthy periods of limited managed control.

I am delighted to adjust this observation - my cousin has now got Libre 2 and my concern for his former stance is removed.