Metformin ER

[franceslee]

I recently started on metformin Er 500 mg at dinner.  I have only taken it for for days.....I've been experiencing nausea, indigestion, frequent bowel movements.   Has anyone else experienced this??  I'm so afraid of getting lactic acidosis!!!!   The symptoms sound similar so how do you know which it is??!!  Any help an advice would be appreciated!

[Super_sally888]

Hi Julie,

lifestyle measure are very important to helping control blood sugar and it sounds like you are doing a great job in that department.

Your HbA1c of 6.2 gives you an average blood sugar of

142 = (35.5*6.2)-77.3

You may wish to discuss with your doctor / consider going on meds to bring your blood sugars down a bit lower (non-diabetic Hba1c is 4.3 - 4.6), as it is known that blood sugars above 140 can cause permanent damage / slow deterioration and faster burnout of your pancreas.

For people with diabetes the closer to normal you can bring your HbA1c the better, as long as you don't get seriod / significant lows  (Normal blood sugar range ideally 80 - 120, low < 70), and great if you can get into the 5s.

[Julie20111]

How high was your blood sugar before you got on Metformin?  How was your A1c?  I decided not to take it myself and have been on a strict diet, my last A1c was 6.2.  I eat lots of salads, fish and veggies that are diabetic friendly. I limit rice, pasta and potatoes.  I hope the side effects you are experiencing go away soon, best of luck. Julie

There are name brand versions that cause less stomach issues...for the generic met... Talk to your doc about gradually increasing the dose

[Super_sally888]

Hello Frances,

Actually a blood sugar of 80 is normal, not low.  This means that the medicine is doing what it is meant to.  Your blood sugar should ideally be between 70 and 120 all the time.  A fasting of 80 (which is what you measured when you woke up) is excellent.

You are feeling as if it is low simply because your body is used to being high.  This will normalise in a week or two and then you won't feel low any more.

Please stick with meds. Sounds like they are doing what they should.

The tummy issues should ressolve in a while (days - weeks).

[franceslee]

Ok so my next question is my sugar readings keep running low.....is that normal???   I woke up all sweaty and chest racing my sugar was 80.   I'm so afraid that I don't really need this medication.  What should I do??

[diabetes86]

Those are very common side efects of Met.  For some they go away after several weeks. (I know... WEEKS!!)  Hang in there.

try this link for info on Lactic acidosis   http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/PUarticles/5.htm