Glucose response to metforming therapy

[gus201]

I started taking 500mg metforming twice a day this past Wednesday. I'm wondering how long before I start seeing lower glucose levels.  My average so far is 322, highest 375 and lowest 330.  I might add that I am also taking Sutant for renal cell carcinoma, Hyzar and norvesc for high blood pressure.  A side effect of Sutant is a shut down of my thyroid consequently I am also taking synthroid.    

[WaveRider]

Yes, its a slow process but isn't that with everything new that we learn? Just remember, if you follow those golden rules your life will be happier and healthier. The hardest thing is giving up foods that you once enjoyed. When you start reading and understanding food labels, you will be happy that you gave up poison. The fun is finding new foods that you never knew existed!

[gus201]

I find myself overwhelmed with trying to decide what to eat and what to avoid.I thing as you suggest a journal of food intake will help. I imagine that it is a matter understanding what is good and what is not good and that will come with time.  Thank you

[WaveRider]

Start monitoring what you eat. Don't munch on bad things between meals too. That last before dinner 526 mg/dl reading is dangerous and can and will lead to electrolyte imbalance. Congrats on tackling diabetes head on for you're on the right path. But, again, watch the foods. Even foods that contain little or no sugar may jack up your glucose. That is why its important to monitor what you eat, when you eat, and how much you eat and then eliminate and/or reduce your intake of those foods so it doesn't wreck havoc on your body. Start a log/diary of some sorts. This is what I did until I knew which foods to avoid.

Good luck.

[gus201]

Thanks for your responses.  I went to see my oncologist this morning and discussed the diabetes. It was my kidney specialist that put me on metformin. The oncologist thinks that my high TSH maybe a factor in my having diabetes.  I have started an exercise routine trying slowly to get back to where I use to do, 30-40 minutes on a threadmill or stationary bike.  I have also modified my diet and have taken all sugars off and increase vegetables (cooked and raw).  I started doing this right after I got my diagnosis. Also according to my weight this morning I have lost 2 lbs in one week.  Last night before dinner my glucose level was 526 mg/dl, the morning before breakfast it was 228 mg/dl.  I take two reading a day, before breakfast and before dinner.  I have oatmeal for breakfast and I j recently read that cinnamon helps reduce the glucose level.    

[WaveRider]

Good morning Zoe!

[WaveRider]

"I'm wondering how long before I start seeing lower glucose levels."

That's too hard to answer. Metformin helps to lower your glucose by producing some insulin in the gut but it really depends on your lifestyle, your nutrition, your activity. Ignore one and you decrease the chance of Metformin helping you.

I drafted this document the other day and you will be the first.

There are over 21 million American adults and children who suffer from diabetes type 2 and the number is growing rapidly each day. The typical diet high in sugar and processed foods only adds fatigue, creates cardio issues, and raises glucose levels which in turn brings about diabetes.

Here are some tips to help control and lower your glucose:
1. Cut out sugar and processed foods. It’s the most important and hardest thing to do. Eat more fruits and veggies instead. Skip desert, period. Stop munching. Its not too late start eating better.
2. Eat a better breakfast. Your metabolism is faster in the morning than it is later in the day. Skip the man made dry cereals for they are loaded with sugar. Instead of doughnuts, eat foods high in fiber, protein and good fats, like a veggie omelet, or oatmeal with ¼ tsp cinnamon and handful of blueberries for the antioxidant compounds.
3. Learn to love your veggies. Although it’s contrary to many American meals, eat a main course of veggies with a small side of meat to provide the right nutritional balance.

Moderate exercise:
1. Go for a walk after eating to help burn off excess glucose.
2. Do some sort of moderate exercise daily or at least 3-5 times a week.

Weight:
1. You’d be surprised how much lower your glucose will be if you shed those EXTRA pounds.

It’s all up to you to start practicing a better lifestyle control to improve and maintain good health. If you enjoy being sick and miserable, ignore this post completely.