metformin

[samoli]

ive been on slow release 500mg metformin for 2 weeks , could someone tell how long it takes for it to start working please, my fasting bloods in the morning are still showing 8.6

 

[Burylancs]

ive been on slow release 500mg metformin for 2 weeks , could someone tell how long it takes for it to start working please, my fasting bloods in the morning are still showing 8.6

500 will never do much. The minimum effective dose is 1500 and the usual dose most of us are on is 2000. It has a long term build-up effect on the HbA1c, there's not going to be major changes day to day or meal to meal. It's heart protection properties are also very important for Type 2s.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @samoli

How long have you been living with diabetes? Has metformin been added on top of changes to your menu?

It is quite common to start on a fairly low dose and increase it gradually as this can help avoid the gastric upheaval that sometimes accompanies ‘metfartin’

Metformin works by improving insulin sensitivity, and by reducing the amount of glucose trickled out by the liver to keep the body ticking over. So while it doesn't work to directly reduce BGs, its effect can build up and be very helpful alongside reductions in total carbohydrate intake to a level that the body can tolerate.

Hope you see some positive effect over the coming months.