Type 2 on metaformin

[Jaguar234]

Hi all, I have been type 2 for 6 years maintaining blood sugars on 1 500mg tab metaformin a day. Following a blood test I was told that my diabetes was poorly controlled and HB was 76 from 48 . I immediately stopped eating anything sweet and reduced my carbs drastically. It took 6 weeks before doctors could see me and increased my metaformin to 1 twice a day. I did but now I keep getting nauseous and bloating and burping really bad, affecting my work feel awful . Tried cutting out certain foods but doesn't make any difference. Now following a pharmacist consult, he suggested it was the metaformin so only have 1 tablet alternative days. I am onto my 3 rd day and feeling no better. I only had a banana for lunch as feeling sick. Anyone experiencing same ? Thanksall

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi all, I have been type 2 for 6 years maintaining blood sugars on 1 500mg tab metaformin a day. Following a blood test I was told that my diabetes was poorly controlled and HB was 76 from 48 . I immediately stopped eating anything sweet and reduced my carbs drastically. It took 6 weeks before doctors could see me and increased my metaformin to 1 twice a day. I did but now I keep getting nauseous and bloating and burping really bad, affecting my work feel awful . Tried cutting out certain foods but doesn't make any difference. Now following a pharmacist consult, he suggested it was the metaformin so only have 1 tablet alternative days. I am onto my 3 rd day and feeling no better. I only had a banana for lunch as feeling sick. Anyone experiencing same ? Thanksall

People have sometimes found when increasing the dose it is not tolerated well. The slow release version is supposed to be better and if taken mid meal that can help.
Unfortunately metformin alone is not sufficient to reduce blood glucose without making some dietary changes as well. The fact you mention stopping eating anything sweet makes me wonder if you realise that it is not just sugar but all carbohydrates that covert to glucose which is why your HbA1C went up if you were continuing to eat high carb foods like potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, breakfast cereals and tropical fruits like bananas.
Have a look at this link for some good information about dietary changes. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
It may take a while for the metformin to get out of your system, I'm not sure whether taking it alternate days will help the body to adjust. You should check with your nurse about stopping until your stomach settles and ask for the slow release version.

 

[Martin.A]

Like @Leadinglights I was also wondering if you realise that Metformin needs to be taken in tandem with dietary changes that reduce your carbohydrate intake, especially as you not only refer to sweet stuff but also mention having a banana for lunch, a fruit that many of us T2s generally consider off limits.

 

[Jaguar234]

People have sometimes found when increasing the dose it is not tolerated well. The slow release version is supposed to be better and if taken mid meal that can help.
Unfortunately metformin alone is not sufficient to reduce blood glucose without making some dietary changes as well. The fact you mention stopping eating anything sweet makes me wonder if you realise that it is not just sugar but all carbohydrates that covert to glucose which is why your HbA1C went up if you were continuing to eat high carb foods like potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, breakfast cereals and tropical fruits like bananas.
Have a look at this link for some good information about dietary changes. https://lowcarbfreshwell.com/
It may take a while for the metformin to get out of your system, I'm not sure whether taking it alternate days will help the body to adjust. You should check with your nurse about stopping until your stomach settles and ask for the slow release version.

Thank you for the info, I am very aware of the need to change my diet , as I mentioned in my post, I try to be good and not be encouraged, especially at work where they have so many cakes and chocolates. I reduced my carbs, don't eat bread at all now and alot of my dinners are with Quinoa or cauliflower rice .

 

[Jaguar234]

Thank you for the info, I am very aware of the need to change my diet , as I mentioned in my post, I try to be good and not be encouraged, especially at work where they have so many cakes and chocolates. I reduced my carbs, don't eat bread at all now and alot of my dinners are with Quinoa or cauliflower rice .

Like @Leadinglights I was also wondering if you realise that Metformin needs to be taken in tandem with dietary changes that reduce your carbohydrate intake, especially as you not only refer to sweet stuff but also mention having a banana for lunch, a fruit that many of us T2s generally consider off limits.

Hi Martin
Yes I do realise, but as I was feeling very sick and not had much to eat I grabbed a banana . I have reduced my carbs to nearly none! My blood sugars are averaging 6/7 . They were much higher. Thanks for the advice