How long before metformin affects GL ?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
How long before metformin affects GL ?
7
Fri, 06-15-2007 - 9:54pm

I've been haphazardly trying to follow a lower carb diet since I was dx'd about a month ago and now feel much better about what I should be doing (even if I'm not always doing it) since my first education session last week.  However, my glucose levels are still all over the place, even when I've been real good.  Finally finished the cholesterol research study I was in so started the metformin today (500mg, twice a day).  Was wondering how quickly it normally starts to have an effect on levels?  I forgot to ask in class and my next one isn't until the 21st, but if I know what to expect maybe I won't feel so discouraged by the numbers in the meantime.


I was all excited earlier this week, the doc and the nurse gave me a recommendation for a stellar endocrinologist and I discovered he was listed on my insurance.  Unfortunately, when I called I learned he is preparing to retire due to health issues.  He was kind enough to say he would make a list of colleagues that he would recommend, that also take my insurance--hopefully at least one or two of those will be accepting new patients!


Marci

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2007
Fri, 06-15-2007 - 10:11pm

I read your post and it dawned on me too.... how long does it take to see changes in levels with the Metformin?

I'm glad your found a great endocrinologist... its just yucky that he'll be retiring! Isn't that how life seems to work sometimes? LOL LOL I know you'll find a great one to suit you perfectly!

Becki

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sat, 06-16-2007 - 1:38am

Marci,


IMHO you were started on too high a dose of metformin. I am afraid that you are going to be one sick cookie. It would be much better if you were started on 250 per day and then after about a week to go up to 250 twice per day. The major side effects of metformin are gastric in nature. They usually subside in about two weeks. You will start to see changes from the metformin within a couple of days but you won't see the full extent of the changes for up to 8 weeks.


Hang in there with the metformin. It is a good drug and it has one very nice side effect. In most people it decreases the appetite and causes the person to lose weight. I was amazed at what it did to my appetite and I have never been able to eat as much as I used to. I lost 8 pounds tht first month I was on it. My doctor got concerned that I wasn't eating. I was eating but only about 1/2 of what I had been eating.


iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Sat, 06-16-2007 - 11:25pm

Don't now why it should surprise me that the dosage on the meds is way off from normal--that doc seems to foul everything up!


Surprisingly, I haven't had any problems with my stomach so far (KNOCK WOOD--and I have GERD & a hiatal hernia), but then maybe the Prilosec I already take helped prevent that particular side effect, that and the research nurse cluing me in to being sure I take it with meals.

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 06-17-2007 - 5:14pm

Marci,


I agree with what both nurses told you. I am amazed at how many people are not told to take metformin with food in the tummy. I was told that and I also saw the difference when I didn't have food. I am hoping that you can lose weight on it because that will also help your GERD and hiatial hernia.


It is amazing how the brain gets used to functioning with too much glucose in the blood stream and then takes time to get used to being normal again. It is pretty easy to tell when my blood sugar is too low because I can't make a decision about anything including what I want to eat. I mean I am trying as hard as I can and nothing seems to work.


I am actually a little concerned about your after lunch blood sugar not being high enough. Watch and see what it is before dinner and if you need a small snack in the afternoon or perhaps some fruit so that you don't drop too low before dinner.


I seldom eat Chinese food outside of the home because of the sugar that they used in it. Many Asians believe that meat tastes better if sugar is added to those dishes. My husband and I ask them to leave it out when they prepare our dishes. Steamed chicken with veggies wouldn't have this but sometimes you have to be careful with the amount of starch that is used to thicken the sauces. We normally order one small bowl of rice and share it between the two of us. Some of the dishes made with tofu are also good for you, especially if you like tofu. Find out what veggies they have fresh in the kitchen and ask them to prepare that for you. You would be amazed at some of things you can get which aren't on the menu. Of course the fried food are pretty much off the table because they are too high in fats and calories and of course the sweet and sour dishes are gone. One of the things that I miss

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Sun, 06-17-2007 - 9:12pm

I think the low afternoon figure was due to pretty light lunch & breakfast, that and taking it WAAAY late, long after 2 hours (LOL-my doc had said anytime before dinner was okay, but we know how right she's been & I'm now trying yo remember to do it 2 hours after)

Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sun, 06-17-2007 - 11:34pm
Marci, most diabetics today do carb counting.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-03-2002
Tue, 06-19-2007 - 6:37pm
omg cheryl
that a cool site..wow that really good info..

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