regarding metformin

[princesslinda]

Hi All:
I have a question regarding Metformin. I take 500 mg twice a day. As long as I am very diligent and cut out all whites (breads, potatoes, pastas, rice) and get my exercise, my BS runs in the normal range. However, if we go out to eat or have a lunch provided at work and I eat a little more or if I have some that I don't generally eat, my BS will elevate.

My co-worker is on metformin 1000 mg twice a day as well as Glyburide and Byetta, and eats anything she wants and still has a relatively normal BS.

I get so frustrated at NEVER being able to let down my guard. I don't mean to sound whiny, I am pleased at my results. Hgb A1c went from 9.6 at diagnosis to 6.2 3 months later, so it is working. My Internist told me it really would not lower my blood sugars, I would have to do that with lifestyle changes and that appears to be true. I just get discouraged when I see other diabetics eating a more "normal" diet and I can't, even one time without it showing up in my fasting the next morning.

Anyone else have this type of situation. I feel like I can't ALWAYS deprive myself, yet if I don't, my BS levels suffer. I don't want to take anymore medicines than I have to. Co-worker feels that if meds control it, what's the harm?

[BobbyT]

I take one 750mg extended release in the morning. Merformin is supposed to help with insulin sensitivity and also to prevent your liver from dumping glucose. It does nothing to stimulate your pancreas which is good because it is already overworked and deserves a break. :)

Some of the other medications stimulate the pancreas to work harder and produce more insulin causing the remaining betta cells to head south faster than we would like. That's the way I understand it. Are you totally confused now? I am:hmmmm:

[trpack]

I am also taking 500 mg twice a day and my numbers respond about the same as yours. I like the fact though that I have to be good. I tend to do what I can get away with and since I can't get away with anything than I have to be good. I have lost a lot of weight and I am much healthier because of what I don't eat. My doc asked if I wanted to go on insulin and I told her that I did not because I wouldn't eat as healthy. Sounds crazy when I put it in writing like this but it works for me.