New - Quick Question about Metformin

Yvette1205

Regular Member

Joined : Nov 2012

Posts : 80

Posted 1/2/2014 10:38 PM (GMT 0)

Hello all. While not diagnosed as diabetic, I was diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome and thus put on medication to control my blood sugar.

I have a question. My last A1C test (in October) was I think 6.7, which of course is on the higher side.

Here is a quick run down of my history on the blood sugar meds...

I started out on metformin about 2 years ago. I had to eventually switch to something else because it gave me horrible stomach problems. I was then put on 2.5mg daily of Onlglyza, which seemed to keep my blood sugar in check pretty well. Then my insurance was no longer covering it so my doctor switched me to 30mg daily of Actos, which I will say right now, was the worst thing she has ever done. I gained FIFTEEN pounds in about 6 weeks. Ridiculous, right?

So I was ready to give metformin another try. My question is this - what is a "normal" dosage? I know other things are taken into consideration, but I think I am on a WAY high dosage. She put me on 1000mg 2X a day. My hubby, who IS diabetic, only takes 500mg 2X a day.

In doing some reading online, I found that the max dosage is 2000mg per day, which is exactly what my doc has put me on. I am wondering if this is the reason I had such severe stomach problems with it last time. I took half a pill last night, and no problem. I am concerned about taking a whole pill at once and what it will do to my stomach!

I thought maybe I would come here to ask those of you who may have experience with this medication, as my doctor has caused me to lose all faith in her at this point. but that is a whole other post... lol

Thank you in advance!!

Yvette

Lanie G

Forum Moderator

Joined : Nov 2006

Posts : 7019

Posted 1/2/2014 11:32 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Yvette. As far as I know, the dosage depends on how the patient's blood sugar has been out of control. Normally the doctor would prescribe a lower dose and then see how that works to control the blood sugar along with a change in diet (fewer carbs) and increased exercise. Exercise does not have to be vigorous. Walking for about 15 minutes a day would make a difference. Sometimes the dosage does need to be increased depending on the individual.

Metformin will cause stomach upset especially if the person eats a lot of carbs and high-fat food. Taking it with a meal helps rather than on an empty stomach, especially if it's taken right before bed. This needs to be discussed with your doctor so make sure you do that. I'm not a doctor!

I know that if a person does not cut down on carbs, then he/she may have more gastric problems.

Cutting way down on carbs and doing some sort of regular, sustained exercise helps control blood sugar and if your husband is also on metformin, then this is something you could both do.

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