Metformin vs Metformin XR

[tcpandi]

Hi, I'm sorry, another question! I guess I'm needy tonite..

I'm wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of of the extended release form of Metformin?
Do you only have to take the pill once a day??

I"m having an issue remembering to take mine twice a day and in a timely manner... If I could take it just once a day, that would be so much better for me....

Suggestions would be helpful... thanks! again..!!!:)

[mg_2204]

I tried both. Reg Metformin gave me headaches 24/7 and I am not prone to headaches normally. Too much blood glucose fluctuation was at the root of my problem with reg Metformin.

I am now on extended release. I like it a lot! I take 500mg with breakfast and 500mg with supper. Works well for me.

I too would forget... Or I thought I had forgotten and then took too much. Ack!

I got a dosette and now I don't forget my meds nor my vitamins. That dosette is quite useful as I don't even have to take the whole thing with me let's say I'm out for the day or gone for a week-end. I just take with me the days I'll need and leave the rest home. Handy!

[tcpandi]

Thanks Marie... altho that wasn't what I was hoping for... so... I guess .... the next question is...

Is there any oral medication for type 2's that you only take once a day?? Something that gives 24hr coverage??

Traci

[ladytaz]

alot of people only take the XR only once a day Traci. Ask your doc about it ;)

[Mister Q]

I was on regular Metformin and switched to the XR version after having stomach probs. I used to take 4 x 500mg daily, 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening, since the switch I now take 2 x 500mg XR both in the evening. I have also had to suppliment this with 80mg of gliclazide as my numbers were getting a lil out of control, but that is taken in the morning.

I suppose it depends what kind of medication you take but like ladytaz says many folks on XR only take it once a day.

As we have all discoverd there is no such thing as a standard diabetic, what works for one will send another crazy low or stupid high.

When i first started out I used to take metformin morn, lunch and eve, I was always forgetting the lunch one and it was a pain because if you left the house you had to take your meds with you.

I would welcome a once a day treatment, these are available as a combination of metformin type meds and gliclazide type meds. but most of the people I have heard of taking them were switched from them maximum doses of metformin and gliclazide combined

[orpy]

Hi,

I'm just starting a regimen of Metformin XR and I take it at night (the whole dose). Anyway, I'm very concerned with the morning BG readings I'm getting since I started Metformin. The endo nurse practioner put me on it to lower my morning readings. So far they've been sky-high (numbers I've never had before); much higher than what she deemed too high before taking the metformin.

This morning at 6:00 am it was 162...other days it's been higher. She doubled the dose from 500mg and said to call in two weeks. I'm kind of freaking out because I take my BG very seriously. This morning my right eye was blurry, something I haven't experienced since prior to my diagnosis.

My question is, is it worth it to experiment and have high BG while we're figuring out the meds? Also, has anyone experienced high BG readings on taking Metformin. I work hard to keep my numbers down and frankly, it's really bothering me getting these morning readings. But if it's a matter of the Metformin kicking in after two weeks, then I guess I can wait for that...I just worry about the cumulative damage done while we futz around with meds.

[ladytaz]

Hi,

I'm just starting a regimen of Metformin XR and I take it at night (the whole dose). Anyway, I'm very concerned with the morning BG readings I'm getting since I started Metformin. The endo nurse practioner put me on it to lower my morning readings. So far they've been sky-high (numbers I've never had before); much higher than what she deemed too high before taking the metformin.

This morning at 6:00 am it was 162...other days it's been higher. She doubled the dose from 500mg and said to call in two weeks. I'm kind of freaking out because I take my BG very seriously. This morning my right eye was blurry, something I haven't experienced since prior to my diagnosis.

My question is, is it worth it to experiment and have high BG while we're figuring out the meds? Also, has anyone experienced high BG readings on taking Metformin. I work hard to keep my numbers down and frankly, it's really bothering me getting these morning readings. But if it's a matter of the Metformin kicking in after two weeks, then I guess I can wait for that...I just worry about the cumulative damage done while we futz around with meds.

Orpy, were you taking the "regular" metformin before? Or is this your first experience taking metformin all together?

If you've not taken it before, I don't see why it would RAISE your BLG's .... but the blurry vision and such is often a side effect, while your body gets used to better BGL's. It's often quite normal to go up and down with the BGL as well, it's almost like the high and low are fighting ;)

If you HAVE been taking Metformin, and they've just switched you from "regular" to XR, then you shouldn't see any changes I wouldn't think, at least any changes should be for the BETTER, not worse!! (usually having to do with side effects going away, and having more steady BGL). You MAY need to start on something like Glipizide in addition to the Metformin, if this is the case. Your body may not be producing enough insulin, which is what Glipizide will make it do. The Metformin, helps your body to properly use the insulin your body makes.

But no, I really can't see your morning nubmers rising JUST from the metformin! That doesn't make sense, then again, what in Diabetes makes sense? ;)

Keep on top of it, and keep on top of your Doctor and/or Nurse Practitioner about it tho!!

[orpy]

Orpy, were you taking the "regular" metformin before? Or is this your first experience taking metformin all together?

But no, I really can't see your morning nubmers rising JUST from the metformin! That doesn't make sense, then again, what in Diabetes makes sense? ;)



No, I wasn't on it before...this is a new drug. My blood sugar readings in the a.m. are higher than they were before...

She did say that once in a great while she sees someone who's blood sugar goes up with Metformin...

I just hate wasting time trying to get a correct med...sometimes I feel like I did better without all the meds.

[ladytaz]

No, I wasn't on it before...this is a new drug. My blood sugar readings in the a.m. are higher than they were before...

She did say that once in a great while she sees someone who's blood sugar goes up with Metformin...

I just hate wasting time trying to get a correct med...sometimes I feel like I did better without all the meds.

hmmm well that IS very weird indeed! Again, you may need something like Glipizide to go with it? They do need a good three weeks to a month to see just how well the Metformin is going to work for you. Do know, that it is VERY rare for a first go to work straight out of the gate! It took them 3 months to get my meds straight! And even then it wasn't perfect (I always had trouble with my morning numbers, altho they were better than yours are doing now!) Eventually tho, they stopped doing their job, and now I'm off the Glipizde and on Insulin and Metformin. It's the nature of the disease. Every so often, things need to be adjusted ... our bodies change, therefore our meds and/or dosages need to change with that. ;)

Good Luck in what ever you/they decide!

[orpy]

Thanks for the supporting answers. It IS frustating. Believe me, this is not the first med I've taken...I've been through Actos, Prandin, I'm on Precose and now Metformin...probably insulin is next...I'm thinking it would be a relief...

[mzizgayle]

I was on the regular metformin which I took at dinner, but was still experiencing highs and lows no matter what I did, plus the dawn effect was big..I now take 750mg (one pill) of the timed release only at dinner.

My numbers are now staying more consistant, hardly any lows and if there is, it is usually because of my doing, and the dawn effect is practically gone. I am in much better control/consistant with my readings and I don't have any of the stomach distress that I would get with the other.

[ladytaz]

Thanks for the supporting answers. It IS frustating. Believe me, this is not the first med I've taken...I've been through Actos, Prandin, I'm on Precose and now Metformin...probably insulin is next...I'm thinking it would be a relief...

You're welcome!

For me insulin was a relief! My numbers kept rising and rising, and I hadn't changed a single thing for them to do so! Now, I've got better control than I've EVER had and I'm SO loving it!! So what, now I have to give myself at least two shots a day (more if I run 160 or more), big deal, it's WELL worth it, to have the better numbers! Makes me more at ease, SO much less stressing about my numbers than I was before, which in turn probably helps with my numbers as well :)

[orpy]

[QUOTE=ladytaz;201272]You're welcome!

For me insulin was a relief! QUOTE]

Well, I'm starting to think that it might be for me too! I work really hard...I eat very low carb with barely a treat and run up 26 floors of the building where I work as often as I can. I need a break.

Is there any downside to insulin?

[ladytaz]

[QUOTE=ladytaz;201272]You're welcome!

For me insulin was a relief! QUOTE]

Well, I'm starting to think that it might be for me too! I work really hard...I eat very low carb with barely a treat and run up 26 floors of the building where I work as often as I can. I need a break.

Is there any downside to insulin?

Yea, I see that you're doing all you possibly can already!! As for downside to insulin ... uhhh .... possible weight gain. I have gained 5 pounds since starting, but then again, I've been eating higher fat foods lately due to financial reasons, costs more to eat 'healthier', yanno! ;) But I'm working right now at taking that back off, and then some! ;) I don't want or need to gain anymore! LOL

I don't know if the weight gain is due to the insulin specifically, or that people in general, tend to eat more stuff, because, well, they can!! Insulin DOES give you that freedom! If you know you're gonna eat a higher carb meal, well, just inject some insulin to cover it! Altho I dont make this a common practice for me!! I still eat my moderately low carb meals (45g or under) as I have been doing since Dx. Have only done that 'cover' deal a couple times.

[tcpandi]

Is all insulin by shot? or is there an oral insulin??

[ladytaz]

yes, they're all by shot Traci.

[orpy]

There is no oral insulin to my knowledge.

I'm almost jealous of those on insulin because it does seem like they can eat a more varied diet. I cannot even have 1/2 cup of icecream without a huge morning BS. And I'm taking Precose, Metformin XP, and lipitor. I'm so discouraged some days. Other days I just try to forget about it and hope for the best. My weight is normal, my blood pressure is excellent...so let's hope for the best.

I'm just so tired of not getting to eat food I enjoy, like pizza, and pasta, and mashed potatoes, and chocolate, and bagels, and macaroni and cheese, and....

[slipperyelm]

Orpy, I've noticed that you have had quite a few posts indicating that you've had a lot of trouble bringing down your BG despite lots of effort. I see in your signature it says type 2 or type 1.5. Has anything been done to test, or better yet to _track_ your actual insulin production? 'Cause it sure is sounding to me like you are running out of your natural insulin. Please don't be reluctant to on on insulin. It might be exactly what you are needing.

Have your medical people even mentioned insulin to you? I brought it up to my doctor last time I was in. I'm getting good control these days (A1c=5.4), but I wanted to get off one of my meds. I told the doctor that if after going off that med my A1C goes up, I'd rather try an insulin routine than go back on the med. He understood, and thought it was completely reasonable. I had to wonder, then, why insulin was never suggested to me as a possible treatment before I went on the detested oral med....I think it must be that most Type 2s hold out against injecting insulin at all costs, greatly preferring to swallow a pill or two instead. But I want what is going to make me healthiest, most functional, and least harmed by the treatment itself. That actually might be injected insulin at some point. If that happens, I well gratefully welcome insulin. In fact, I am not going to wait till A1c is at 7,8,9 to go for the insulin. I want a low A1c and if it takes insulin to get it, I will go to insulin. Of course, I'm also intent on excercise, low carb eating, weight maintenance, and my Avandamet (hopefully I will be able to scrap the Avandia portion of Avandamet soon.)

I sure understand not wanting to have to keep waiting to see if this or that med is going to finally make a difference. It's a shame that so many meds take a while to reach their best effectiveness. Insulin should be effective right way though. Maybe an option is to go on insulin now, tapering it up to the amount that you need for good BG, and then tapering it back down if and when the oral meds show their effect.

[ladytaz]

Yea, the more I think about it, the more I wish I'd just been put on insulin from the get go! I know they do that for SOME T2's ... I was about 355 at Dx (and running anywhere from 200 to 300+ for at least 3 years - unchecked by docs - my fault! l))... not blastingly high, but high enough, that's for sure! And it was a LOT of work (AND money!!) getting it down to 'decent' levels! Had they just put me on insulin, I most probably would have had MUCH better control, MUCH sooner!! Better for me ALL the way around!

[Lloyd]

Is all insulin by shot? or is there an oral insulin??

No oral, your digestive tract would destroy it.

Shot, pump, and a fairly new inhaled form.


Lloyd

[tcpandi]

Is all insulin by shot? or is there an oral insulin??

Is anyone using the inhaled form of insulin??

[orpy]

Orpy, I've noticed that you have had quite a few posts indicating that you've had a lot of trouble bringing down your BG despite lots of effort. I see in your signature it says type 2 or type 1.5. Has anything been done to test, or better yet to _track_ your actual insulin production?

Yup, done all the tests for the antibodies they look for...

I think I am going to ask about insulin the next time I go in...it sounds like a few of you found it to be a relief...to me it's like going through hours and hours of labor, only to have a c-section (for those who have had babies). I'm thinking, why waste all this time paying for these meds that don't seem to work, delaying the inevitable. I'm not afraid to be on insulin. I guess my major fear about it would be that I would start to eat more and gain weight. Although weight has never been a problem for me. It's just that for the past two years I've been so disciplined about what I eat (or don't eat) that I'm afraid to give up that ultra-control. Like, if I find I can just inject, I might just lose it and start eating ****.

Thanks for all your support here...it is really helpful to me.

[ladytaz]

Yup, done all the tests for the antibodies they look for...

I think I am going to ask about insulin the next time I go in...it sounds like a few of you found it to be a relief...to me it's like going through hours and hours of labor, only to have a c-section (for those who have had babies). I'm thinking, why waste all this time paying for these meds that don't seem to work, delaying the inevitable. I'm not afraid to be on insulin. I guess my major fear about it would be that I would start to eat more and gain weight. Although weight has never been a problem for me. It's just that for the past two years I've been so disciplined about what I eat (or don't eat) that I'm afraid to give up that ultra-control. Like, if I find I can just inject, I might just lose it and start eating ****.

Thanks for all your support here...it is really helpful to me.


I'm still eating the same way (moderately low carb) that I have been for the last 1-1/2 years, Orpy. It's your way of life now, you're so accustomed to it, I dont think that will change, unless you decide to. ;)

Even tho I know I can 'cheat' by taking more insulin, it's not something I want to become common practice for me, even tho I have done it a couple times, but only when eating out. We eat out 2 - 4 times a month. Tonight we ate out, and I didn't take any extra ... I probably should have tho, I had chimichanga's and I was 224 after supper (started out at 84 I think it was) ... hadda take 4u of Regular! Oops! That's all I've had to take of the Regular since last Sunday tho!! :) I do stay pretty strict to my diet on a daily basis tho!