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VA-GRAM
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 20
Posted 5/3/2008 2:39 AM (GMT -8)
Hi everyone, it has been a while since I have posted.  The doctor put me on a different medcine called Metaforin.  Can anyone share any experiences they have had with this medication, both the upside and the down side so I have an idea what to expect. I also take Lantus and Apidra for diabetes. Everyone here is so nice and very informative.  I love hearing about all the different foods that are helping each of you.  I plan on trying a few of those this week.
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Jeannie143
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2004
Posts : 6070
Posted 5/3/2008 8:14 AM (GMT -8)

Warren said...
We should all know a little more about metformin as it is usually a type 2 diabetics first line of defense.

Metformin (Glucophage) is a biguanide, which appears to work by reducing glucose production in the liver and by making tissues more sensitive to insulin. As I just mentioned, it is considered by many experts to be the first choice for most type 2 patients who are insulin resistant, particularly if they are overweight... Metformin achieves lower mortality rates from diabetes and all causes than other drugs.

Metformin does not cause hypoglycemia or add weight, so it is particularly well suited for obese type 2 patients. (In some studies, in fact, patients lost weight.) Metformin also appears to have beneficial effects on cholesterol and lipid levels and may be heart protective. Some research, in fact, has suggested that it significantly reduces the risk for heart attack. It is also the first choice for children who need oral agents and is proving to be very effective for women with polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance.

Lets look at the common side effects:
- A metallic taste.
- Gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, and diarrhea
- It may also reduce absorption of vitamin B12 and folic acid, which are important for protection against heart disease.
* There have been some reports of lactic acidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition, particularly in people with risk factors for it. Major studies, however, found no greater risk with metformin than with any of the other drugs used for type 2 diabetes.

=======
Hi Gram,

I pulled this quote from one of our long time members' posts since it says it very well. Metformin is an excellent diabetes med and used alone or in conjuction with other meds will help hold down the sugars. I still take this although I have been able to get off my insulin. Metformin works similarly to exercise (but it's not a substitute for exercise!) in that it enables the body to utilize its own insulin better.

If you eat carbs while on metformin, especially in excess, you may experience bloating, gas, gastro discomfort and explosive diarrhea. As my doctor said, "If you overdo you go POOH!" The answer to this is not to discontinue the drug but to pay attention to your food plan. When I cut back on the carbs I have no problems at all with this med and my sugars are much better. So, this means that I have to act in a responsible manner or I pay for it in bathroom visits. Great cause and effect = consequences learning experience to help me keep on track. Your mileage may vary. Hope this helps.
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VA-GRAM
Regular Member
Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 20
Posted 5/4/2008 4:11 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks so much for always being there to give advice and share information.  So far so good.  I started the metaforin yesterday.  So far no bad side effects.  And I do see a decrease in appetite.  Finally I am controlling my carbs a lot better so I am hoping for better success now. Perhaps somewhere in the future I can either get off the Lantus and Apidra or at least lower the dosage. For the first time in many years I am feeling that I can get and keep my blood sugar under control and I just want to thank you all for your support and lending an ear.

 

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Jeannie143
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2004
Posts : 6070
Posted 5/4/2008 5:54 PM (GMT -8)
VA,
Tonight I had pork steak on the grill and I cut up some green peppers, dredged them in olive oil and garlic powder and roasted them next to the pork. Yummmm! Grilled a tomato, too. I'm kind of tired of regular green salad so grilled veggies is my next best choice. Also had some cucumbers in a apple cider vinaigrette and 1/2 cup of butter pecan ice cream for dessert. This is diabetic food plan at it's best!

If you find new ways to fix veggies and double up on them you can skip the potatoes and other starches for dinner. This makes it much easier to stay on track. Hope this helps.
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Joan123
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2006
Posts : 191
Posted 6/6/2008 9:10 PM (GMT -8)

I can eat no carbs and get diarrhea from metformin. 

Joan

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Diabetes II

Thyroid Cancer


Post Edited (Joan123) : 6/6/2008 11:14:59 PM (GMT-6)

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Jeannie143
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2004
Posts : 6070
Posted 6/7/2008 6:24 AM (GMT -8)
This is a side effect of metformin but since it is such a good med, we learn to deal with it.
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RNCheryl
New Member
Joined : Aug 2008
Posts : 7
Posted 8/4/2008 8:22 AM (GMT -8)
Oh My....how can you learn to deal with Metformin unless you glue a commode to your rump and be where people cannot hear you moan from the intestinal pains it gives you? I cannot imagine how anyone tolerates that med. I tried on two occassions now and have become so violently ill, I had to wonder what I was going to die from that was worse........the diabetes or gastroenteritis.
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Jeannie143
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2004
Posts : 6070
Posted 8/4/2008 11:14 AM (GMT -8)
Cheryl,
There is a vast difference between gastroenteritis and diarrhea. If your symptoms are that severe I would talk to your doctor. Are you eating any starches?
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ericsmom
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2007
Posts : 1042
Posted 8/5/2008 4:54 AM (GMT -8)
I have been on metformin a long time now, so I dont get the side effects that are bothering some people here.  I just know that it is a versatile drug (meaning it's used for more than just diabetes)  I did notice that if I had too many carbs or starches like Jeannie said...then it was...skip ...errrr.. I mean run to my loo tongue
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Lanie G
Forum Moderator
Joined : Nov 2006
Posts : 7001
Posted 8/5/2008 5:09 AM (GMT -8)
Oh...  so THAT's what it means!?  :-)

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Jeannie143
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2004
Posts : 6070
Posted 8/5/2008 10:50 AM (GMT -8)
All these years we've been teaching our children to sing "Skip to my Loo" and we were singing about the potty??? I didn't know that!!!
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Kissssy
New Member
Joined : May 2008
Posts : 5
Posted 8/14/2008 6:58 PM (GMT -8)

VA-GRAM said...
Hi everyone, it has been a while since I have posted.  The doctor put me on a different medcine called Metaforin.  Can anyone share any experiences they have had with this medication, both the upside and the down side so I have an idea what to expect. I also take Lantus and Apidra for diabetes. Everyone here is so nice and very informative.  I love hearing about all the different foods that are helping each of you.  I plan on trying a few of those this week.

Hi, I am new to this, but yes, I am on Medeforum. At first it made me some what sick to my stomach, but I stuck it out and on about the third day the sick feeling went away...so, now I am doing fine with it. Other than that thats all the problems I had...
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