Newly Diagnosed - Given Metformin

[Lynne888]

I’m a bit gutted. I was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago and had my first appointment with my GP today. I expected her to tell me to try to control it with diet as my hb1hc was 50. I walked into the room, she said you’re here because you now have diabetes, I’m going to give you tablets. That was basically it. I asked if I could try diet first and she said if, in 3 months, my diabetes was controlled she’d taken me off meds. I wasn’t weighed so they have no idea if I will lose any weight! I feel deeply disappointed with how the appointments went. I must have been in the room less than 2 minutes. I get terrible side effects from medication so I’m quite worried about taking metformin. Has anyone experienced any issues with taking it?

 

[Gwynn]

This reply may irk a few people, sorry if it does...

Just remember that in the end you are in control of and are responsible for whatever medications you take. The doctors and nurses are there to advise and help, but don't always know enough about a patient to advise well and rarely have enough time to explain and reason with a patient.

I took myself off insulin and metformin after strongly talking to a doctor about it all and I had a reading of 150 !!! Was it sensible? It was certainly worth trying diet and exercise. At your reading of 50 the dangers of not immediately jumping into medication will most likely be low, but I do not know your personal situation.

Trouble is often doctors do immediately put patients onto medication and they do it way too often and way too quickly.

One thing is for sure...you didn't die before being prescribed the meds (!) and it is very unlikely that you will die by trying diet and exercise (with no meds) BUT regardless of that do talk WITH your doctor before you decide to do anything but remember, it's your body not theirs, your decision not theirs.

So, as I learned along the way, take control as best you can, talk to your doctor and state, not ask, that you want to first try diet and exercise (if that is what you want to do and the risks are low and benefits high). Show that you are in control, and are determined to understand and fight the condition sensibly and it is very likely that your doctor will respect your position and support you.

rant over..

Good luck with whatever route you and your doctor take and do let us know how things go.

 

[rebrascora]

I agree with @Gwynn. Your Dr can prescribe as much medication as they like but you do have a say in this and what you put in your body. There is nothing to say that you have to start taking the Metformin today or tomorrow or next week or in 3 months time, by which time you may not need it anyway. If you are motivated to make lifestyle changes and want to give yourself some time to see how that goes, before taking the medication you have been prescribed, then that is your choice. Metformin has a fairly minimal impact on reducing your levels whereas reducing your carb intake will usually have a very significant impact. You have mentioned in your other post that you intend to buy a BG meter and use that to monitor your levels and adjust your diet so you will have a safety net where you should be able to see if what you are doing with lifestyle changes is working and if after a month or so you are not feeling like you are making progress, you can always start the Metformin then.
I appreciate that GPs are busy but they should be including you in any decisions about your treatment rather than railroading you.

 

[Ashley1966]

I’m a bit gutted. I was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago and had my first appointment with my GP today. I expected her to tell me to try to control it with diet as my hb1hc was 50. I walked into the room, she said you’re here because you now have diabetes, I’m going to give you tablets. That was basically it. I asked if I could try diet first and she said if, in 3 months, my diabetes was controlled she’d taken me off meds. I wasn’t weighed so they have no idea if I will lose any weight! I feel deeply disappointed with how the appointments went. I must have been in the room less than 2 minutes. I get terrible side effects from medication so I’m quite worried about taking metformin. Has anyone experienced any issues with taking it?

That’s very poor. I was exactly the same as you in January with a HB reading of 50. I refused meds as I already take BP medication and said I wanted to try a change in diet and lifestyle ie more active (not gym by the way). I attended a diet review with a nurse 1 week later and had both feet and eye checks during the 3 months that the doctor gave me to improve before prescribing.
Anyway by the end of April I had gone from 18st to 15st and my HB levels had dropped to 36 which isn’t even at pre-diabetic level. I feel energised as clearly I’d been continually mis-fueling my engine I’ve the years.
You can do it without meds but it takes big will power however there are so many healthy and tasty alternatives to help you along the way.
Good luck

 

[Lynne888]

This reply may irk a few people, sorry if it does...

Just remember that in the end you are in control of and are responsible for whatever medications you take. The doctors and nurses are there to advise and help, but don't always know enough about a patient to advise well and rarely have enough time to explain and reason with a patient.

I took myself off insulin and metformin after strongly talking to a doctor about it all and I had a reading of 150 !!! Was it sensible? It was certainly worth trying diet and exercise. At your reading of 50 the dangers of not immediately jumping into medication will most likely be low, but I do not know your personal situation.

Trouble is often doctors do immediately put patients onto medication and they do it way too often and way too quickly.

One thing is for sure...you didn't die before being prescribed the meds (!) and it is very unlikely that you will die by trying diet and exercise (with no meds) BUT regardless of that do talk WITH your doctor before you decide to do anything but remember, it's your body not theirs, your decision not theirs.

So, as I learned along the way, take control as best you can, talk to your doctor and state, not ask, that you want to first try diet and exercise (if that is what you want to do and the risks are low and benefits high). Show that you are in control, and are determined to understand and fight the condition sensibly and it is very likely that your doctor will respect your position and support you.

rant over..

Good luck with whatever route you and your doctor take and do let us know how things go.

Thanks Gwynn.. your reply doesn't irk me at all.. it's exactly what I'm thinking. My GP isn't very approachable and she is is quite formidable. Basically, you have to do as she says and there is never any room for negotiation. This is of no relevance to this thread but I went to see her 5 years ago with symptoms of bowel cancer. She dismissed it and said she thought it was nothing. 6 months later the symptoms were worse, she referred me to a specialist.. it took over 10 months to get a diagnosis of bowel cancer... so basically, I have very little confidence in her and she is the only doctor here. I'm not going to immediately take the Metformin.. I'm going to see how things go for a month, try to change my eating habits and lose weight. Thanks for your great response. I appreciate it.

 

[Lynne888]

That’s very poor. I was exactly the same as you in January with a HB reading of 50. I refused meds as I already take BP medication and said I wanted to try a change in diet and lifestyle ie more active (not gym by the way). I attended a diet review with a nurse 1 week later and had both feet and eye checks during the 3 months that the doctor gave me to improve before prescribing.
Anyway by the end of April I had gone from 18st to 15st and my HB levels had dropped to 36 which isn’t even at pre-diabetic level. I feel energised as clearly I’d been continually mis-fueling my engine I’ve the years.
You can do it without meds but it takes big will power however there are so many healthy and tasty alternatives to help you along the way.
Good luck

Ashley this give me hope! Well done for turning your life around. I can't believe how well you have done! I am worried about my ability to cut down massively on carbs because like you, I've been eating all the wrong things for years. I like to cook, the whole family comes round for Sunday dinner and they all love it. I don't want it to change all of their lives too..but I'm sure I can cook for them and cut down on carbs at the same time. I have to.

 

[Lynne888]

I agree with @Gwynn. Your Dr can prescribe as much medication as they like but you do have a say in this and what you put in your body. There is nothing to say that you have to start taking the Metformin today or tomorrow or next week or in 3 months time, by which time you may not need it anyway. If you are motivated to make lifestyle changes and want to give yourself some time to see how that goes, before taking the medication you have been prescribed, then that is your choice. Metformin has a fairly minimal impact on reducing your levels whereas reducing your carb intake will usually have a very significant impact. You have mentioned in your other post that you intend to buy a BG meter and use that to monitor your levels and adjust your diet so you will have a safety net where you should be able to see if what you are doing with lifestyle changes is working and if after a month or so you are not feeling like you are making progress, you can always start the Metformin then.
I appreciate that GPs are busy but they should be including you in any decisions about your treatment rather than railroading you.

I'm not going to take the Metformin for a few weeks. I'm going to see how things go with cutting down on food and trying to lose some weight. If I find it difficult or things do not improve I may well have to start taking it but I honestly cannot take anything without side effects and I'd rather not take it if I can manage without. Thanks for the reply! I really appreciate it.

 

[trophywench]

Don't 'cut down massively' please - you're likely to suffer eye and nerve damage if you do, instead cut down regularly but gradually. May sound boring - but 'slow but sure' will actually get you there quicker!

 

[Lynne888]

Don't 'cut down massively' please - you're likely to suffer eye and nerve damage if you do, instead cut down regularly but gradually. May sound boring - but 'slow but sure' will actually get you there quicker!

I think I need to cut down a lot on carbs. I’ve been cutting back for a week. I’m having 1500 calories so not going mad but I do feel hungry a lot!! I used to have grapes as part of my fruit as some fruits cause me to have IBS so I’m restricted there.. it’s just trying to sort out what I can and can’t have to eat now that I’m finding tough!

 

[rebrascora]

it’s just trying to sort out what I can and can’t have to eat now that I’m finding tough!

The Blood Glucose monitor will help you with that and show you what your body can manage and what is best to avoid.

Most of us find that introducing a bit more natural fat into our diet helps to reduce or stop the hunger. Things like a boiled egg with a little mayonnaise is very low carb but pretty filling or some veggie sticks with some real sour cream and chive dip from the chilled counter.... not the highly processed Doritos stuff in a jar. Or a chunk of cheese or a few nuts like walnuts or brazils. Some nuts contain more carbs than others but these two are about the lowest carb.

 

[Lynne888]

Great information, thank you. When I diet I avoid things like cheese as it's high in calorie so this is a whole new eating regime for me. I'd never think of having a chunk of cheese or nuts! I've got a lot to learn.

 

[ColinUK]

Take steps to cut down the carb intake. If you slash it too quickly then you can develop eye issues.
I was advised, and advise others, to cut it by a third for a week and then another third, hold that for another week and repeat. It'll quickly come down and you won't risk any eye issues.

Also, if you do wear glasses don't order new ones for a good few months as your prescription may change!

 

[Gwynn]

Yup agree with all this... reduce carbs (gradually), increase protein and fats but keep an eye on saturated fats (keep them low). Then, if you can, increase your daily exercise. Gently at first.

You should find that your desire for carb heavy, sweet things will reduce with increased protein and fats and time. Yes, it takes a bit of time for your body and brain to accept and switch to a new regime.

But, a happier, healthier, fitter you awaits.

Me, HbA1c 150, weight 94 Kg. Every diabetic symptom possible. And I couldn't balace or walk or talk coherently. One week in hospital. Pretty serious stuff. But once I knew what I was up against (fellow hospital patient explained a few basics) (people on this site filled in many gaps in my understanding), I developed my own personal strategy of diet and exercise.

The result, within months I was in the no diabetic range, never out of range, healthier, happier, fitter. Weight down to 60Kg (was 55Kg, but that was a bit too far).

I astounded the medical 'professionals' but it is hard for them to argue against success and in the end they were quite supportive, but still expecting me to fail given time. Well, it's only been 2 years since diagnosis and since comming off all meds (they shoved me on them in hospital where I was very unwell - but that's another story) my Blood Glucose readings have been within the normal range.

It has been hard work, but so so rewarding. I get better, the health professionals do not, so all the rewards go to me.

Have I slipped up along the way? Yes and no. Occasionally, I have a treat of some sort, but adjust my diet and exercise that day to accommodate it. Seems to work and keeps me happy.

I test my blood every day several times a day just to make sure my strategy is helping and not going astray. In fact I test just about everything I can, out of sheer interest.

Planning meals turns out to be important but equally important is the ability to change meal plans easily. The only way to do this is to use one of the many calorie, carb counting Apps and keep a food diary. I keep mine on my laptop. It turns out to be very useful because we all live in our own personal routine and generally eat the same sort of things regularly, so creating a new days meals becomes easier and easier in time, using the data from the new low carb 'diet history'

And finally, do use this forum. There are some great people here, quite a range of experiences and advice. We all like to hear what works for others and we all like to help where we can when people struggle.

I discovered that my new diet (discovered over time) reset my palette and desires away from sweet things and I started to really taste food for the first time. Quite an exciting journey and very enjoyable too.

Many people initially think that diabetes is all about cutting out most foods and a boring diet, but that is completely wrong. It is about discovering food and discovering who you are in terms of how you react to and how you enjoy food. What a great new life !!!!

Good luck. Nah, luck has little to do with it. Aim straight, go for it, keep going.

 

[Leadinglights]

Concentrating more on carbohydrates rather than calories and reducing those by making some substitutions for the high carb foods, you can still have an enjoyable Sunday Lunch, plenty of veg and go easy on the roast potatoes, Yorkshire puds or stuffing.
You will be less likely to feel hungry if you have healthy fats as part of your meals.
Carbs will be more likely to make you feel hungry, you get into a vicious circle of being hungry, eating carbs, still being hungry so eating high carb snacks.
No reason you can't do this without the medication, but as suggested reduce carbs gradually.

 

[Lynne888]

Concentrating more on carbohydrates rather than calories and reducing those by making some substitutions for the high carb foods, you can still have an enjoyable Sunday Lunch, plenty of veg and go easy on the roast potatoes, Yorkshire puds or stuffing.
You will be less likely to feel hungry if you have healthy fats as part of your meals.
Carbs will be more likely to make you feel hungry, you get into a vicious circle of being hungry, eating carbs, still being hungry so eating high carb snacks.
No reason you can't do this without the medication, but as suggested reduce carbs gradually.

Yup agree with all this... reduce carbs (gradually), increase protein and fats but keep an eye on saturated fats (keep them low). Then, if you can, increase your daily exercise. Gently at first.

You should find that your desire for carb heavy, sweet things will reduce with increased protein and fats and time. Yes, it takes a bit of time for your body and brain to accept and switch to a new regime.

But, a happier, healthier, fitter you awaits.

Me, HbA1c 150, weight 94 Kg. Every diabetic symptom possible. And I couldn't balace or walk or talk coherently. One week in hospital. Pretty serious stuff. But once I knew what I was up against (fellow hospital patient explained a few basics) (people on this site filled in many gaps in my understanding), I developed my own personal strategy of diet and exercise.

The result, within months I was in the no diabetic range, never out of range, healthier, happier, fitter. Weight down to 60Kg (was 55Kg, but that was a bit too far).

I astounded the medical 'professionals' but it is hard for them to argue against success and in the end they were quite supportive, but still expecting me to fail given time. Well, it's only been 2 years since diagnosis and since comming off all meds (they shoved me on them in hospital where I was very unwell - but that's another story) my Blood Glucose readings have been within the normal range.

It has been hard work, but so so rewarding. I get better, the health professionals do not, so all the rewards go to me.

Have I slipped up along the way? Yes and no. Occasionally, I have a treat of some sort, but adjust my diet and exercise that day to accommodate it. Seems to work and keeps me happy.

I test my blood every day several times a day just to make sure my strategy is helping and not going astray. In fact I test just about everything I can, out of sheer interest.

Planning meals turns out to be important but equally important is the ability to change meal plans easily. The only way to do this is to use one of the many calorie, carb counting Apps and keep a food diary. I keep mine on my laptop. It turns out to be very useful because we all live in our own personal routine and generally eat the same sort of things regularly, so creating a new days meals becomes easier and easier in time, using the data from the new low carb 'diet history'

And finally, do use this forum. There are some great people here, quite a range of experiences and advice. We all like to hear what works for others and we all like to help where we can when people struggle.

I discovered that my new diet (discovered over time) reset my palette and desires away from sweet things and I started to really taste food for the first time. Quite an exciting journey and very enjoyable too.

Many people initially think that diabetes is all about cutting out most foods and a boring diet, but that is completely wrong. It is about discovering food and discovering who you are in terms of how you react to and how you enjoy food. What a great new life !!!!

Good luck. Nah, luck has little to do with it. Aim straight, go for it, keep going.

It’s absolutely amazing what you’ve achieved. I’m not sure I have that sort of willpower but I’ll have to find it! A year before lockdown I lost 3 stone and then during lockdown I gained the whole lot. I could hit myself over the head with a shovel because now I have to do it all again. Would you mind sharing a days menu of what you would normally eat? Thanks for the support, I feel so much better about it all since I came here!

 

[Drummer]

I’m a bit gutted. I was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago and had my first appointment with my GP today. I expected her to tell me to try to control it with diet as my hb1hc was 50. I walked into the room, she said you’re here because you now have diabetes, I’m going to give you tablets. That was basically it. I asked if I could try diet first and she said if, in 3 months, my diabetes was controlled she’d taken me off meds. I wasn’t weighed so they have no idea if I will lose any weight! I feel deeply disappointed with how the appointments went. I must have been in the room less than 2 minutes. I get terrible side effects from medication so I’m quite worried about taking metformin. Has anyone experienced any issues with taking it?

You are barely into the diabetes range - honestly - I think your GP is over reacting.
Just for comparison my Hba1c was 91, I was unable to cope with the tablets, but I went low carb from diagnosis and I was no longer diabetic at the first retest and just on normal at 6 months - but it took at least another year to get over the effects.
Weightloss is not the reason to change your diet - I'd recommend buying a blood glucose monitor and just be more aware of the carb content of the foods you choose, then check your blood glucose. I felt so much better eating low carb, as I knew would but my GP and the surgery staff all hammered on about sticking to their low fat high carb diet.

 

[rebrascora]

I appreciate the question wasn't directed at me but my low carb menu for today is....

Breakfast: Creamy (not low fat) Greek style natural yoghurt with stewed rhubarb from the garden with some artificial sweetener and ground ginger and cinnamon with mixed seeds and a sprinkle (less than 10g) of nutty granola. Coffee with double cream.... cream is lower carb than milk and makes my morning coffee my little daily luxury.... making up for all the other carb rich stuff I gave up and in particular the 3 spoons of brown sugar I used to use to make coffee enjoyable.... Pleased to report I have no wish to go back to that vice now.

Lunch: Iceberg lettuce wraps filled with tuna and mayonnaise (full fat) strips of cucumber and red pepper and tomato.

Evening meal: Think it is going to be halloumi (full fat) and cauliflower curry.... love this recipe! I either eat it on it's own, with extra veg.... you can have it on a plate of microwaved shredded cabbage (with a knob of real butter of course 😉 ) or with cauliflower or broccoli rice (grated and steamed) ... or have some Konjac rice with it, which is pretty much carb free and high fibre. It isn't rice at all but manufactured to look like rice. Needs a good rinse if you decide to try it.... available in most major supermarkets. One of the brand names is Bare Naked and they make noodles from it or rice but I recently got some in B&M stores under an Asian brand name. I used to feel guilty about eating the curry and not having any rice with it, but I don't anymore, especially if I have lots of veggies in or with it instead.

May have a glass of wine and a chunk of cheese or some olives and a G&T (slimline) at bedtime..... not every night I should say, but dry white wine or red and spirits contain almost no carbs.

What I am trying to show is that this is a way of living enjoyably whilst eating low carb, not a short term diet.

 

[DaveB]

Hi. Just be aware that standard Metformin can cause bowel upset for a couple of weeks or so. If it does you can ask to be swapped to the Slow Release version (SR or XR). Metformin is a very safe drug but never does that much. Doctors love it as they can be seen to be doing something as they grab the prescription 'pad'. I did have a metallic taste for 6 months which is a known but not very common side effect. I've been taking it for about 20 years now.

 

[Lynne888]

Hi. Just be aware that standard Metformin can cause bowel upset for a couple of weeks or so. If it does you can ask to be swapped to the Slow Release version (SR or XR). Metformin is a very safe drug but never does that much. Doctors love it as they can be seen to be doing something as they grab the prescription 'pad'. I did have a metallic taste for 6 months which is a known but not very common side effect. I've been taking it for about 20 years now.

As I suffer from ibs and diverticulitis, tablets of any kind cause me a lot of stomach issues.… I’m flabbergasted that there is a slow release version and the doctor didn’t offer it to me knowing my problems with meds!!!

 

[Lynne888]

Th

I appreciate the question wasn't directed at me but my low carb menu for today is....

Breakfast: Creamy (not low fat) Greek style natural yoghurt with stewed rhubarb from the garden with some artificial sweetener and ground ginger and cinnamon with mixed seeds and a sprinkle (less than 10g) of nutty granola. Coffee with double cream.... cream is lower carb than milk and makes my morning coffee my little daily luxury.... making up for all the other carb rich stuff I gave up and in particular the 3 spoons of brown sugar I used to use to make coffee enjoyable.... Pleased to report I have no wish to go back to that vice now.

Lunch: Iceberg lettuce wraps filled with tuna and mayonnaise (full fat) strips of cucumber and red pepper and tomato.

Evening meal: Think it is going to be halloumi (full fat) and cauliflower curry.... love this recipe! I either eat it on it's own, with extra veg.... you can have it on a plate of microwaved shredded cabbage (with a knob of real butter of course 😉 ) or with cauliflower or broccoli rice (grated and steamed) ... or have some Konjac rice with it, which is pretty much carb free and high fibre. It isn't rice at all but manufactured to look like rice. Needs a good rinse if you decide to try it.... available in most major supermarkets. One of the brand names is Bare Naked and they make noodles from it or rice but I recently got some in B&M stores under an Asian brand name. I used to feel guilty about eating the curry and not having any rice with it, but I don't anymore, especially if I have lots of veggies in or with it instead.

May have a glass of wine and a chunk of cheese or some olives and a G&T (slimline) at bedtime..... not every night I should say, but dry white wine or red and spirits contain almost no carbs.

What I am trying to show is that this is a way of living enjoyably whilst eating low carb, not a short term diet.

This is really helpful. I’ll miss rice. I make curries (I’ll need to check carbs in it though now) and I cannot imagine not having rice but you’ve given me some great ideas! I’m assuming you aren’t needing to lose weight having full fat stuff? My head is awash with everything right now!