Metformin issues

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Bensmama3

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Type 2
Hello everyone. Newly diagnosed with type 2 in May. This forum has been a lifesaver.
My HbA1c at diagnosis was 118. I’ve tried to totally change my diet to low carb and upped the exercise, and managed to lose 10kg so far. I’m on metformin sr. I only managed to get up to 3 tablets a day because of side effects and because I seemed to be controlling my blood sugar ok on that dose. My problem is that I started getting a really upset stomach a few weeks ago whilst on holiday. I reduced the metformin to 2 tablets and the diarrhoea stopped but now my morning blood sugars have gone up. Still below 7 but creeping up. What are people’s experiences with metformin side effects? Should I try again with 3 tablets and see what happens? I saw a really useful post here about evening exercise to reduce morning bg which I will do but I’d be really grateful to hear about how people have managed with metformin side effects
Thanks
 
I got up to 4 per day when I was first diagnosed. I found that the first 2 weeks were bad, and again every 2 weeks when the dose increased. However, I'm one of the lucky people who can tolerate metformin. If the side effects are lasting more than a couple of weeks, I'd go back to your GP. There are other medications, but metformin is the first go-to medication for health professionals. If it doesn't suit, please let them know!
 
Vonny said:
I got up to 4 per day when I was first diagnosed. I found that the first 2 weeks were bad, and again every 2 weeks when the dose increased. However, I'm one of the lucky people who can tolerate metformin. If the side effects are lasting more than a couple of weeks, I'd go back to your GP. There are other medications, but metformin is the first go-to medication for health professionals. If it doesn't suit, please let them know!
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That is the best thing to go back to whoever prescribed the medication if it is not agreeing with you. The time you take the medicine was what they suggested to me. To take with food. Drink plenty and move plenty.
I was vomiting and felt ill on it and I'd say I will never take it knowingly again but most medication affects me some way or another. My cousin took it and had a few loose bowel movements but it soon settled.
 
You could look at where you may be able to trim a bit more off your carb intake, some meal testing to identify anything particularly problematic.
Probably not good to go back to more tablet until your stomach has fully settled.
 
The low-carb diet helps a lot and you will find if you are eating carbs that just reducing those will lower your blood sugars. To aim always between 4 -7 is not realistic unless your blood sugar is stable. I would ask what your aims would be but on 2 metformin a day and not above 10 is not that bad. I would rather try changing my diet but it is your choice. medication is not better the more you take. If you do a finger prick blood test before and 2 hours after you eat. You will see what meals affect you.
Eggs are really good as is most meat but not processed meats.
Things that will raise for sure are bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and anything like biscuits crisps cake sugary drinks.
it is not always a no to everything but these need to be modified to suit you personally.
it is also worth looking at the diabetes main webpage and healthy eating there are different meal plans there and the learning zone has tips.
Also, Leadinglights Freshwell page is good. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com The library too has lots on Diabetes type 2 diets. Good Luck
 
@Bensmama3 I reacted badly to the tablets I was prescribed at diagnosis, it got very bad, so I stopped them and relied on low carb eating. I found it really easy, my lack of will power was given a proper kicking just by the thought of being pressured to take Metformin again.
I was back in normal numbers in 6 months and have stayed at the top end of normal HbA1c ever since. My blood glucose normalised in a couple of months.
Being a plain uncomplicated type 2 obviously helped, but it is almost embarrassing how quick and easy it all was. My main bother was adjusting and replacing my clothes as my waist shrank.
 
Thank you everyone for your really helpful replies. I think I need to be a bit more patient and think longer term. It’s only been 2 months. You’ve reassured me that if I keep focussing on diet and exercise I’ll get there.
BTW I’ve made the chickpea nachos and granola from the Freshwell website. Both delicious!
 
I never had any side effects, I guess lucky to avoid that. But I do take 33 tablets a day so my body is used to medication lol
 
Bensmama3 said:
Thank you everyone for your really helpful replies. I think I need to be a bit more patient and think longer term. It’s only been 2 months. You’ve reassured me that if I keep focussing on diet and exercise I’ll get there.
BTW I’ve made the chickpea nachos and granola from the Freshwell website. Both delicious!
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Well done on your progress so far @Bensmama3

Keep plugging away at it, and be kind to yourself. As the old forum saying goes - diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes it takes a little while for things to settle and adjust.
 
ident said:
I never had any side effects, I guess lucky to avoid that. But I do take 33 tablets a day so my body is used to medication lol
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wow 33 tablets . I cannot imagine that. That to me would not be good. I am free of meds at the moment . Oh dear. Still if it makes you well that is what is important.
 
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