There has to be a better way to manage diabetes than having to take 2000 mg of Metformin daily !! Lord have mercy !! I've felt sick to my stomach all day today and have felt basically rotten all week because I'm finally at the max dose the doctor wants me on. I just need to lose weight (although if I keep taking this dose of metformin that shouldn't be a problem) and I'll be back under the radar again. Diagnosis comes at a 6.5 A1C (3 month sugar average), I'm at 6.7 God give me the strength to do this, the motivation to get my health in check and God willing off these horrible meds.
Motivation is that Metformin is baby step in diabeties and insulin diabetes has way to many complications. YOu can do this. I would also guess that with your post that you have been under a whole lot of stress. You need to find a way to relax and get exercise at the same time. I love Wholy Fit which is a gentle stretch style workout but set to scripture. It really is working out and relaxing with a gentle God center time. http://wholyfit.org/store.html
I'm not sure what your BMI is, but if it is very high you could look into weight loss surgery. I did not have diabetes when I had my gastric bypass, but I was told the surgery has almost a 100% cure rate. It bypasses the portion of your intestine that absorbs most of your sugar intake. Not sure the rest of the science behind it since that benefit was not something directly affecting me, but thought I'd share.
Not sure what the number is Brooke, but I know I'm in the overweight category <sigh> EVERY BIT of my excess weight is in my belly (and a little on my face). I look like I'm 9 months pregnant !!! I'm sure that belly is the reason why my back is and has been bothering me lately. My doctor had said something to me last fall about gastric bypass but it was said in the aftermath of my MIL's death so it went in one ear and out the other one. Talllattee - you're correct in that I have been under a lot of stress for what seems like forever. When the house sells and we have that behind us, that will be one HUGE stressor off my plate. I'm in an area where I'm more comfortable walking (because there are sidewalks and street lights) so I make it a habit to walk everyday now. I didn't go yesterday and was tempted not to go today because I haven't felt well... I just need to suck it up and go
I'm right there with you. My dr. just increased my dose to 2000mg also. Eye-opener for me for sure! I have a recheck in 3 weeks. My goal is 24 pounds down! We CAN do this!
Brenda, I've been taking that much Metformin for quite awhile now, PLUS another med. Sometimes I think insulin would be easier. I couldn't figure out why all the tummy distress, until the Nurse Practitioner explained that was likely a side effect of the Met. I was "living on" anti-diarrheal OTC med. But then he started me on anti-cholesterol med, which has the side benefit of calming down the need for the anti-diarrheal. I haven't had blood work lately, but it had better be GOOD when I do get a chance to have it done!!! I've lost about 18 pounds since April. My FBS first thing in the morning is running VERY good, but I still need to get in some >gasp!< actual exercise... My "ideal weight" is still about 50 pounds away, but hey, baby steps and small victories, you know? I've cut out most "white carbs" (bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, corn/corn meal), and try to focus mainly on proteins and "green carbs" (lots of veg, and small amounts of fruits). I've also cut back on milk and dairy products but I just can't cut those out completely. I've managed to locate some very low carb flatbreads at WalMart which make it easier to have a wrap in place of a sandwich, and to have "pizza" with measured amounts of sauce and cheese. Can't start feeling too deprived, you know? 'cause then I really go off the reservation... I try to eat supper early, then have a small snack (maybe nuts) in the evening, and sometimes I actually forget my evening meds and still get up with a quite reasonable FBS in the morning. Be encouraged, my dear. We can support each other!
How long should it take to see the effects of the increased dose of Met.? I bumped up to 2000mg on Thursday and this morning my FBS was still 188! I have really tried to watch what I've been eating and I've been doing pretty well, but just before dinner tonight, it was 148. Not good at all.
Your values are different than how we do ours here... those numbers are totally foreign to me :lol: Normal here is between 4.0 - 6.0 I've been running between 5.6 - 7.3 in the past couple days (but I'm sure mine was higher than that yesterday when I felt so rotten). Here is some information from my drug guide about it: • Instruct patient to take metformin at the same time each day, as directed. Take missed doses as soon as possible unless almost time for next dose. Do not double doses • Explain to patient that metformin helps control hyperglycemia but does not cure diabetes. Therapy is usually long term • Encourage patient to follow prescribed diet, medication, and exercise regimen to prevent hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic episodes • Review signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia with patient. If hypoglycemia occurs, advise patient to take a glass of orange juice or 2–3 tsp of sugar, honey, or corn syrup dissolved in water, and notify health care professional • Instruct patient in proper testing of blood glucose and urine ketones. These tests should be monitored closely during periods of stress or illness and health care professional notified if significant changes occur • Explain to patient the risk of lactic acidosis and the potential need for discontinuation of metformin therapy if a severe infection, dehydration, or severe or continuing diarrhea occurs or if medical tests or surgery is required. Symptoms of lactic acidosis (chills, diarrhea, dizziness, low blood pressure, muscle pain, sleepiness, slow heartbeat or pulse, dyspnea, or weakness) should be reported to health care professional immediately • Caution patient to avoid taking other Rx, OTC, herbal products, or alcohol during metformin therapy without consulting health care professional • Insulin is the recommended method of controlling blood glucose during pregnancy. Counsel female patients to use a form of contraception other than oral contraceptives and to notify health care professional promptly if pregnancy is planned or suspected • Inform patient that metformin may cause an unpleasant or metallic taste that usually resolves spontaneously • Inform patients taking XR tablets that inactive ingredients resembling XR tablet may appear in stools • Advise patient to inform health care professional of medication regimen before treatment or surgery • Advise patient to carry a form of sugar (sugar packets, candy) and identification describing disease process and medication regimen at all times • Advise patient to report the occurrence of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain or fullness to health care professional • Emphasize the importance of routine follow-up exams and regular testing of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, renal function, and hematologic parameters Evaluation/Desired Outcomes Control of blood glucose levels without the appearance of hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episodes. Control may be achieved within a few days, but full effect of therapy may be delayed for up to 2 wk. If patient has not responded to metformin after 4 wk of maximum dose therapy, an oral sulfonylurea may be added. If satisfactory results are not obtained with 1–3 months of concurrent therapy, oral agents may be discontinued and insulin therapy instituted <Source: http://www.drugguide.com/ddo/ub/view/Davis-Drug-Guide/51484/all/metformin >
