Numbers Worse on Metformin

Schlep · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 05:25 AM

My numbers are worse since I have started on metformin 3 weeks ago, has anyone else ever experienced this?

princesslinda · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 05:54 AM

Hi Schlep...sorry to hear you're numbers aren't improving. How much worse are they? What dose of metformin are you taking?

Have you changed your eating habits lately? Got a cold? Lots of things can contribute to elevated numbers.

I have heard of people whose numbers didn't improve much on metformin, but haven't heard anyone metion them getting worse.

Hang in there!

Dawn · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 06:05 AM

When I was first diagnosed I started taking Metformin they also prescribed another drug...I think it was Glyburide. My numbers were all over the place. I'd experience lows and didn't know what I should be doing so I'm sure I over ate to bring it up which then I'd have way too high of a reading. It really was all over the place for me. So, I wanted to ask if you are taking something else in addition to the Metformin? As you can tell from PrincessLinda's post there are so many factors that could account for higher readings that you have to become an investigator and review all kinds of things that she mentioned.
I hope you can figure it out!
Dawn

xMenace · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 06:20 AM

It makes me think you might be 1.5 and not 2. Have you checked in with your doctor?

MClark · #5 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 07:28 AM

Hi Schlep,
For some people the Metformin does not really kick in until 4-6 weeks in, so you may want to give it a couple of weeks. Then, if things don't improve go back to the Dr.
Cheers.
Mylene

Trinifar · #6 (**permalink**) 10-30-2007, 10:51 PM

Yeah, the bottom line is not react too quickly to what happens with a new drug, it may take time to take effect.

But, that said, the day I started taking metaformin my readings improved. I had already been taking glyperide for a few weeks when I added the metaformin. Still, mileage varies for each one of us.

muddy · #7 (**permalink**) 11-04-2007, 11:01 PM

MY doctor said that my body had to get use to lower blood sugar and I would have some high numbers for quite some time. I did. Then, suddenly my BG just dropped. I'm saying too much. I am still having trouble with low numbers. I have reduced my metformin again. Took my BG a few mins. ago after dinner and it was 72.. too low for comfort for me.. so , i ate another snack.
My hair is falling out big time and I think it could possibly be the Meformin. Like we need more worries than what we have already with having diabetes.. NO Hair. mine in very, very sparce on top right now.
so, many things can affect your BG readings. I had an allergic reaction to a bite of Hawaiian Pizza from Domino's. They gave me prednisone and a shot in the ER and my BG level was over 200. It took a couple of days for me to get low numbers again.

Alene · #8 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MClark

Hi Schlep,
For some people the Metformin does not really kick in until 4-6 weeks in, so you may want to give it a couple of weeks. Then, if things don't improve go back to the Dr.

That's good to know. I was pretty worried about my Dad last night who is newly diagnosed and on metaformin (the diagnosis was so recent that he doesn't even have a monitor yet). I am type 1, so I tested him shortly after dinner to see if the meds had started working. He only ate maybe 20-30 carbs max and was really high, mind you it was just after eating, but still too high. I guess this could be one of two things, either the Metaformin isn't working to cover his meals yet, or else he was a little low so his bs shot up as his body's defense. = \

Scrabblechick · #9 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008, 10:50 AM

Alene, you need to test your dad 2 hours after the first bite, particularly for a Type 2.

Schlep, I took the Met about 6 weeks before I really started to see lower numbers. However, they were trending downward. As others have said, many factors can contribute to varying BG levels. Make sure you're not getting any "sneak" carbs in your diet, like from cereal or something, test 2 hours after the first bite and try to walk 15 minutes a day. If you don't see at least a downward trend in another 4 weeks or so, call your doctor. Also, if your numbers go up and stay up, call your doc.

Good luck and let us know how you're doing!

Alene · #10 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrabblechick

Alene, you need to test your dad 2 hours after the first bite, particularly for a Type 2.

I know, I expected a hike in blood-sugar, but he was about 25 (450 mmol/l)! That's unacceptable.

Debbie Sue · #11 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008, 11:13 AM

Hey there Schlep! I take Metformin also and I'm just getting past some funky side effects. One was heaviness in my upper chest. My numbers came down very well on this drug and still dropping, but not as fast. Being dx'd as a diabetic scared me to death and put me into a tailspin for several weeks until I had a couple of diabetes education classes.

Keep on working with your medical support team to get your BS down. It does take some time for the Metformin to work properly, but hang in there.We're here for you too!

EllieK · #12 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008, 10:44 PM

I guess I am one of the few who did not improve on Metformin.
My numbers didn't go anywhere - no matter how high the dose (in fact higher dose meant higher numbers), I never had lower numbers. My stomach side effects did not ever go away - it was 24/7 feeling sick for 6 months. I took myself off.

I hope it works for you - I wish it did for me as it is one of the safest drugs out there.

I have been tested for 1.5 and apparently I am solidly a type 2 but my body doesn't respond to typical type 2 helps.

I don't want to discourage you - just let you know that there are people it doesn't help and if your side effects don't go away - don't live with it for 6 months like I did. there is no reason to suffer for that long!!!

Best wishes at finding the right 'match' of meds!