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Metformin long term use. Diarrhea.
- Thread starter TV. man.
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rebrascora
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Hi and welcome
Your post is not clear....
Have you just started taking Metformin?
or
Have you been taking it for many years and only just getting problems with diarrhoea . If the latter, then probably unlikely that the medication is the cause unless you have recently upped the dose.
Have you made any changes to your diet and possibly increased activity which might help you to control your BG levels and perhaps enable you to come off the Metformin, as many people here on the forum do. If not, carbohydrates are the thing to cut down on, so less bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, breakfast, cereals and fruit as well as less sweet stuff like cakes, biscuits and sweets? I know it sounds pretty bleak but once you get your head around it, it is actually quite a pleasant way to eat. Meat, fish, eggs, mushrooms, cheese, nuts and most veggies are all good. Who would have thought that a full English breakfast (minus beans, hash browns and toast/bread) would be better than a bowl of cereal, but it is much lower carb and therefore better for us diabetics. Probably best not to indulge in one every morning though unless you skip lunch. Omelettes work well for breakfast too and you can vary the filling. I usually have mine with a side salad and big dollop of cheese coleslaw.
Your post is not clear....
Have you just started taking Metformin?
or
Have you been taking it for many years and only just getting problems with diarrhoea . If the latter, then probably unlikely that the medication is the cause unless you have recently upped the dose.
Have you made any changes to your diet and possibly increased activity which might help you to control your BG levels and perhaps enable you to come off the Metformin, as many people here on the forum do. If not, carbohydrates are the thing to cut down on, so less bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, breakfast, cereals and fruit as well as less sweet stuff like cakes, biscuits and sweets? I know it sounds pretty bleak but once you get your head around it, it is actually quite a pleasant way to eat. Meat, fish, eggs, mushrooms, cheese, nuts and most veggies are all good. Who would have thought that a full English breakfast (minus beans, hash browns and toast/bread) would be better than a bowl of cereal, but it is much lower carb and therefore better for us diabetics. Probably best not to indulge in one every morning though unless you skip lunch. Omelettes work well for breakfast too and you can vary the filling. I usually have mine with a side salad and big dollop of cheese coleslaw.
Hi Barbara, been on Metformin for 21 years , after a fall ( only 68) at new year, Gangrene! nearly lost my left leg but due to Covid crisis left leg slowly healed. After Hospital and sitting around 3 1/2 months muscles much weaker keep trying but condition worsening, and now the dreaded Diarrhea after upping Metformin to 5 tabs a day. any help I would be grateful, Steve.
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Inka
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- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
No, not higher I don't drink or smoke and eat minimally, after being a fool and pretending I wasn't diabetic for 20 years. Now can't feel my hands or lower legs ( apart from burning.) My sugar varies between 8 and 11 depending on food. but I am deteriorating fast.
Inka
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
@TV. man. This really merits a call to your GP as soon as you can. Your hands and legs could be caused by diabetic neuropathy (damaged nerves) but equally there could be something else going on eg problems with your circulation. It really needs checking out by a doctor or nurse.
They can then help with your diarrhoea problem too once they find out exactly what’s causing it. That would help you feel better in yourself.
They can then help with your diarrhoea problem too once they find out exactly what’s causing it. That would help you feel better in yourself.
Drummer
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Can you lower your blood glucose levels by reducing carbs in your diet? Metformin isn't going to do that for you.
I have found that the protein and fat from a low carb diet have helped me regain strength and fitness even at almost 70 years of age. I have gone back to work servicing knitting machines, which is a relief as we only had my pension to live off and it was not enough.
Some people have reported problems with their Metformin starting up suddenly, and it was suggested that it is the fillers being used which had to be changed due to supply problems, and they have been the cause of sometimes quite spectacular reactions. I hope that you can get it sorted out soon.
I have found that the protein and fat from a low carb diet have helped me regain strength and fitness even at almost 70 years of age. I have gone back to work servicing knitting machines, which is a relief as we only had my pension to live off and it was not enough.
Some people have reported problems with their Metformin starting up suddenly, and it was suggested that it is the fillers being used which had to be changed due to supply problems, and they have been the cause of sometimes quite spectacular reactions. I hope that you can get it sorted out soon.
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