Metformin?

Hello OH!  So In all of this fun of pre-op doctor appointments, tests and running around, I have been told I am pre-diabetic or borderline diabetic.

My GP gave me a Rx for Metformin, and told me it would help my body better use my insulin and some 6 week blood sugar number down, had a bunch of letters in the title but I forget now.

ANYHOW. Metformin... have any of you used it?  I goggled it after I got it home, should have done so before hand or I think I wouldn't have taken it.  A bit TMI I am sorry but true to the damn side effects at 1am I was woken with sharp abdominal cramping and had to run to the toilet.  And then about every hour after that.  Took some immodium, but it hasn't helped.  Is this medication REALLY necessary!?  Is there something else that will help with insulin and blood sugar? Since I am not TECHNICALLY diabetic, do I need to bother?

One of the other side effects I noticed was an increase in sweating, while doing almost nothing in my air conditioned home. WTF.

Thought? Experiences?

Hi there,

Both my parents are diabetic and now take insulin. When they were first diagnosed as prediabetic, they were both put on Metformin. From what I understand, Metformin is one of the first drugs given for diabetes. Sometime that is all that is needed along with diet modification to control the blood sugar.

Good luck and talk to your doctor about the side effects but I would definitely take this serious. Mix you can get everything under control now, you hopefully won't have to have insulin later on. I have watched both my parent have so many issues because of the diabetes.

Having worked with Endocrinologists for several years and also being on metformin myself, I can tell you that it is the #1 first line of defense (other than diet and exercise) for diabetes. The side effects are unfortunate, yes, but they may work themselves out after a few days. If not, there are other forms of metformin that can have lesser GI side effects. Such as, Fortamet and Glumetza. Just keep in mind these drugs may not be on your insurance formulary and you could have to pay out of pocket if you cannot get a prior authorization. Hope this helpful info for you. :)

Yes, that side effect is very bothersome.  My pcp and I have been working to get it settled.  I was taking 1000mg in the am and 500mg pm.  We have found that 500 am and 500 pm works the best.  Avoid carbs.  That is what sets it in motion.  If you are having rouen y done, that can cure the diabetes.  Keep your chin up :)

Hi Andi - I was on Metformin for years (2000mg per day****il I had WLS and was able to get off it.  The gastro side effects SUCK!   I took all 4 of my tablets at night (make sure to take with meals and NOT on an empty stomach).   But pretty much between 11:00-2:00 every day I had to make sure to be next to a bathroom - ugh!  

One of the highlights of getting WLS is getting off those damn diabetes drugs! 

The intestinal distress can be dealt with by eating yogurt and taking a probiotic.

I was on metformin for almost 2 decades. I came off it after I had my DS.

Metformin is a good solid drug with a LONG established past...

However, if the side effects are that bothersome, just stop eating CARBS, basically go Atkins style eating (about 20 carbs a day)...stay away from processed food, any and all starches (bread, rice, pasta, even corn and peas). Eliminate most sugars (even sugar alcohols).

Liz

I was on Metformin for a few years before my RNY. It caused me so many gastric problems, I was diagnosed with IBS. It was the Metformin causing it though, because after my Rny, they took me off of it and I haven't had gastric problems since.

Hang in there....

I guess I should specify I am NOT eating carbs, I havent had carbs or sugar and MINIMAL FF dairy in the past 2 weeks.  I had a salad for dinner last night when I took the Metformin.  I am on a 5 shake a day diet with allowances for veggies and one meal of lean meat.

I really hope the side effects do sort themselves out very very soon.  I don't wanna be on this med or any med for that matter on a long term basis.  Sounds like RNY worked for a lot of you, but I will likely be having the sleeve done.  Hope it is as effective.

Thanks for the feedback.

With your BMI, you REALLY need the Duodenal Switch. The DS has the very best long-term, maintained weight-loss stats for patients of any size, but especially so for those of us with a BMI greater than 50. It's also your best shot at getting rid of your diabetes---better than 98% of diabetics who get the DS resolve all their symptoms, permanently.

The DS has the same stomach as the Sleeve, plus an intestinal bypass similar to, but more effective than, that of the RNY. It causes permanent malabsorption of a significant per centage of the calories you eat, especially calories from fat. This is why it's long-term results are so good. Most DSers eat 2500-3000 tasty calories every day, but only absorb about half of them. This means we don't really 'diet', just eat mindfully.(High protein, high fat, moderate carbs.)

Let your doctor know that you are having distressing GI side effects.   It is a well known complication of the medication.  It is not related to your diet and yogurt and probiotics are not going to help.  Are you on the lowest available dosage?   Have you tried 250 mg Metformin once daily?  How long have you been on it consistantly.  Sometimes the longer you take it, as in 2-4 weeks, the less severe the side effects become.  If your Hemoglobin A one C (HgbA1C) is under 6.5, he will probably let you stop the Metformin, especially if you are planning on having weight loss surgery in the near future.