Newly diagnosed

[Wendy70]

Hi, I’ve recently been diagnosed with T2 & been given Metformin 500g 3X a day. I’ve lost a stone in weight since diagnosis which I’m pleased about, but I actually feel worse now I’m watching what I eat low carbs low sugar, mainly veg & chicken or bit of red meat. I’ve read countless articles so I’m pretty clued up. Does anyone else feel worse since diagnosis and does it pass?

 

[ColinUK]

Hi Wendy,
Sorry you’re feeling worse but can you tell us a little more about how you came to be diagnosed and I’m what way you’re feeling worse?
Also just checking the weight loss was intentional rather than not?

 

[Wendy70]

Hi Colin thank you for your reply, I got diagnosed as my BP was higher than normal so had blood test done and my diabetes reading was 57 so the doctor put me on meds, I straightaway changed my eating habits as majority of my meals are potatoes,rice & pasta, sandwiches for lunch etc.. cut out the crisps & chocolate completely. So started taking the tablets and built them up to full dose over 3 weeks but I feel worse quite a lot of the time, losing the weight has been a bonus as it is needed. I now feel just as tired as before if not more sometimes and food just doesn’t sit well in my tummy?

 

[Leadinglights]

Stomach problems are often a side effect of the metformin and people often tolerate a low dose but start to feel the effects when the dose is increased. You could ask for the slow release version of the metformin as that is supposed to be less problematic. Also taking the medication mid meal can often help.
Reducing carbs too quickly can also affect some people and they get something which is referred to as keto flu but it does depend on how low on carbs you have gone. But I would suspect the metformin as the culprit.
This link may help you with some dietary suggestions and a way to adjust your meals. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/

 

[Drummer]

Hi, I’ve recently been diagnosed with T2 & been given Metformin 500g 3X a day. I’ve lost a stone in weight since diagnosis which I’m pleased about, but I actually feel worse now I’m watching what I eat low carbs low sugar, mainly veg & chicken or bit of red meat. I’ve read countless articles so I’m pretty clued up. Does anyone else feel worse since diagnosis and does it pass?

You need to eat enough - meat of any kind and colour is absolutely fine as it is not going to affect your blood glucose and you need protein and fat - they are essential.

 

[rebrascora]

Hi and welcome.
Sounds like you are doing all the right things. You might want to get your Vitamin B levels checked out. Firstly we get quite a bit of our vit B from bread and cereals/grain products so you may be ingesting less due to your sudden change in diet but Metformin can also affect your body's ability to absorb it. I agree that the Metformin is likely responsible for the tummy upset and taking it mid meal if you don't already should help or possibly asking for the slow release version if it is causing you too much of a problem but the tiredness may be Vit B deficiency and you may need injections to ensure it gets into your system if the Metformin is affecting absorption from food or oral supplements.

 

[Wendy70]

Thank you all for your kind words and support it’s very much appreciated. I’ll take onboard the advice. X

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Wendy70

Hope things begin to settle for you and you get the spring back in your step.

Sounds like you are making some very positive changes, and losing any excess weight you are carrying will be great for your general health.

Keep us posted, and let us know how you are getting on 🙂

 

[ColinUK]

Metformin can have quite, ahem ‘explosive’ side effects.
If that’s what you’re getting then ask your gp to switch you over to the modified release version and they’ll do that right away. That’s usually enough to stop those particular side effects.

 

[Mrs Mimoo]

Waitrose and coop do a bread which is low carb - only 3g of carb a slice - it's called LivLife. It was a welcome discovery for me.