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Starting metformin

D

DoDDsy2016

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hello everyone,
I was diagnosed with type 2 nine years ago, at the time with diet and exercise, a recent infection not related to my diabetes had me at the doctors and discussing my general health and the discussion led to bloods samples and various once overs. A return to speak about blood glucose being high resulted in metformin being prescribed.
I’m very apprehensive about starting the course which doctor wants to review in two months, however myself I would like to try and bring it down on my own without meds and prove over two months I can do that.
any advice anyone can help me with I’d greatly appreciate from people who have maybe been in this situation about starting or putting off going on medication for type 2.
Thank you in advance, sorry for the long winded first post.
 
If you're looking for people to advise you not to take metformin, I'm sure you'll find them.

But points to consider:

- People who have bad experiences with drugs make the most noise about them, but the majority of people have zero or at worst minor, temporary side effects from metformin.
- A large body of research delivers evidence that the earlier you get things under control, the better the long term outcomes, which is one reason why the best clinicians (contrary to message board wisdom) will tend to be fairly aggressive in prescribing drugs.
- If you do have side more serious or longer-lasting gastro side effects from metformin, you can stop taking it and maybe try something else if needed.
- You should always make life style changes the majotr focus; drugs can help. It's not an either-or.
- Once you have things under control it might be appropriate to drop it.
 
I am one of those who suffered violent faecal incontinence from just one tablet of Metformin a day. It did result in me getting a really nice professional quality carpet cleaner, so I suppose it is an ill wind....
If you take the tablets I'd advise staying at home until you are sure you are not one of the unfortunate susceptible types.
I found that I had not really needed the tablets as reducing my carbohydrate intake was all that was required to bring my glucose levels down to normal, and they have stayed there for 8 years now. I did find that a blood glucose tester was invaluable for finding out just what I could or could not eat.
 
I got my glucose under control by diet without medication within four weeks of diagnosis in 2022. This was following advice from a top diabetologist and a radiologist who knew how to treat fatty liver.

From what I know of your condition, uncontrolled T2D nine years after diagnosis, there is only a 50:50 chance at best that your plan will succeed. In the circumstances I think your GP is right to to prescribe Metformin and Eddy Edson's advice is spot on.

If you are happy to share your recent test results and give some details of your general condition including height, weight and any complications as well as your diet and exercise plan, I'd be happy to share my experience.
 
Hi @DoDDsy2016 and welcome to the forum.

You will get lots of comments re: taking Metformin, some good, some not so good, but ultimately the choice will be yours.

Your latest HBA1c score will indicate how much work you will have to do to reduce your HBAi1 to acceptable levels.

If you are happy to let members know your latest HBA1c it may help with further comments, help and advice, but please bear in mind that we are not medics, we just talk from personal experience, with many years of combined knowledge.

Alan 😉
 
The choice is ultimately yours but how high has your HbA1C gone, if not desperately high and you are committed to making some dietary changes which really need to be for life then it should be very possible.
Many have found a low carb approach is successful and this link may help you in that direction. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
Other people have found a very low calorie or shakes and soups approach gives a kick start but whatever you choose has to be enjoyable otherwise it will not be sustainable.
 
I had no problems with Metformin (I was on 1000mg for three months before it was reduced and then eventually stopped.)
 
I've been taking 2000mg normal metformin for 15 years and apart from a bit of gastric upset initially, I don't have any issues with it.
 
DoDDsy2016 said:
Hello everyone,
I was diagnosed with type 2 nine years ago, at the time with diet and exercise, a recent infection not related to my diabetes had me at the doctors and discussing my general health and the discussion led to bloods samples and various once overs. A return to speak about blood glucose being high resulted in metformin being prescribed.
I’m very apprehensive about starting the course which doctor wants to review in two months, however myself I would like to try and bring it down on my own without meds and prove over two months I can do that.
any advice anyone can help me with I’d greatly appreciate from people who have maybe been in this situation about starting or putting off going on medication for type 2.
Thank you in advance, sorry for the long winded first post.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum @DoDDsy2016

Sounds like you’ve been doing OK for quite a few years, but that infection has pushed you over the edge?

Have you been keeping track of your HbA1c results over the years since your diagnosis? You may find these are listed in the NHS app, or Patient Access if you use those?

It might help inform your decision if you can see whether things may have been creeping upwards for some years, or whether they have only bumped up recently following the infection.

Metformin is the standard First Line medication for T2 diabetes. It has a very well established reputation as a reliable, and relatively gentle way of supporting better blood glucose management in the background, with next to no risk of hypoglycaemia. The vast, vast majority of people are able to take it with no problems, or only mild short-lived gastric upset.

And as others have said, there are plenty of other options in terms of medications you can try if you get a more significant reaction to Metformin, which doesn’t settle within a week or two.
 
Hi, speaking from my own personal experience, I was on Metformin for about a year and a half. The first normal dose (1 tab per day, slowly upped to 4 tabs per day, over a few weeks) did upset my tummy, but not really bad. I spoke with my HCP and went onto the slow release metformin and they were much better for me, still had occasional iffy tummy, but again, nothing really bad. As stated above, if you get negative side effects you can always change to other medication.
I have managed to control my HbA1c with diet and weight loss (for now) and have been able to stop taking T2D meds, so it can be done. Good luck on your continuing Diabetes journey....
NB: taking it mid meal helps, rather than before or after a meal..... 😎
 
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