T2 Medication

[MAW63]

Hi All
I have recently been diagnosed with T2 diabetes. My blood sugar score was 99 mmo/mol. I also have Coeliacs disease and high BP (taking medication for this). I also have medication for depression. I am finding it difficult to adjust my brain and diet. My DN has put me on Metformin 500mg tablets four times per day. I am just wondering if this is a large dose and what -generally- might happen if this does not work.
Many thanks to all that reply.

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi All
I have recently been diagnosed with T2 diabetes. My blood sugar score was 99 mmo/mol. I also have Coeliacs disease and high BP (taking medication for this). I also have medication for depression. I am finding it difficult to adjust my brain and diet. My DN has put me on Metformin 500mg tablets four times per day. I am just wondering if this is a large dose and what -generally- might happen if this does not work.
Many thanks to all that reply.

That will be the usual dose for those who need it but you should build up to the four tablets over a few weeks to allow the body to adjust and to minimise any stomach issues it is better to take them mid meal.
You will also need to make dietary changes and one way is to adopt a low carb approach as suggested in this link. You should be able to find suitable choices as there are several menu plans if that way is what you prefer or just following the general principals and doing your own thing. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
Welcome to the forum by the way.

 

[Docb]

Hi @MAW63 and welcome to the forum. Your HbA1c is high and in the zone where attention is needed to get it down in order to avoid problems in the future. In answer to your direct question, 2000mg/day is the target dose for Metformin. A common side effect is digestive system upset and it is usual to build it up slowly to try and avoid that side effect. It is the standard medication to start with but unlikely to bring your blood glucose down on its own and yes, there are other things to go at if it does not work for you.

What I suggest to anybody newly diagnosed is not to panic. Diabetes is a serious condition but can be managed very well once you understand what is going on and work out a method to manage it that will suit you. A good start is to read around the forum and check out the learning zone on the red tab above. Then ask questions about anything you do not understand. We will do our best to answer them.

 

[MAW63]

Hi
I have been reading the forums and some members feel the same as myself. I have got the books recommended by this site and have ordered an exercise bike as I have mobility issues but can cycle. My diagnosis came out of the blue no pre-diabetes warning, just a blood test then an appointment to see DN. I know it will hopefully get easier to manage once I get used to the diet and exercise routine. I appreciate all of your positive comments, thank you.

 

[sheridan]

4 x 500mg tablets a day is the standard dose for most people. Like most I was told to work up to the full strength dose slowly over a number of weeks, 1 tablet a day for a week, 2 tablets a day for a week etc. I was fine until I started the full dose and then the tummy trouble started. I was lucky that it wasn’t too bad but could be very inconvenient at times so I was put on a slow release version which helped a lot. Through diet and exercise I have managed to slowly decrease the amount I need to take and am now on 1 tablet a day. For me diet and exercise was the key. But I need motivation to get me moving, I did a couple of charity walks, joined my local ParkRun or in my case ParkWalk and met some lovely people who have become great friends. I’ve recently started doing the Conqueror Challenges which are a number of virtual routes that you can walk, run, cycle, row and anything else that get you moving. The beauty is that you don’t physically go to the places. You mentioned that you have ordered an exercise bike, firstly Well Done, that’s a great first step, secondly, with these virtual challenges you can use your new bike to complete the virtual challenges and at the end of each one you get an awesome medal. Most challenges are real places, I’m doing the Angkor Wat one in my lunch hour at work, I’ve just completed my first which was a Scooby Doo one and there’s loads of places and distances to choose from. For me this is a great motivational tool and is very achievable.

This forum is great, so warm, friendly and helpful, good luck, and you’ve got this