Metformin ?

[ChetRogers]

I am curious to know about this drug. Does it help with weight loss, or does it make it harder to lose. I was just prescribed it and I also take insulin shots. I am supposted to take teh Metformin 2 times a day. each dose is 1000mg

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by ChetRogers

I am curious to know about this drug. Does it help with weight loss, or does it make it harder to lose. I was just prescribed it and I also take insulin shots. I am supposted to take teh Metformin 2 times a day. each dose is 1000mg

Metformin is perhaps the oldest and safest drug that helps insulin resistance. It has helped a lot of people lose weight. You should find your insulin requirements drop. Most people start out at a lower dose than you started with. Some people do experience gastric distress, but this dissappears for most over time.

[ChetRogers]

Would anyone know how long it takes to see results with this drug. I also am using type r and n insulin.

[NurseMonkee]

I started a little over 2 weeks ago.
I was told 8 weeks.

[HezzieLee]

I've been on it for months and no change in my weight. 2 pills of 750 each. I am on Glucophage XR. (Non-generic version) All I'm concerned with is my health....the weight will come later.

[roev210]

Originally Posted by HezzieLee

I've been on it for months and no change in my weight. 2 pills of 750 each. I am on Glucophage XR. (Non-generic version) All I'm concerned with is my health....the weight will come later.

I am 52 years young and just have been given metformin 500mg once a day for the first week and then the second week twice a day. I am not have diabetic, my endocrinologist tested for thyroid (I have multi nodule goiter) but the blood test for that came back fine so no meds for that. He also did DHEA, and all other hormonal testing which came back very high. Which is why he put me on metformin 500mg. My left ovary was removed in 2007 along with a cyst in the uterus, but left the uterus and the left ovary. Now my endo thinks that I could be poly cystic. All reports that I read tells me that this medicine treats for this but not for my age group I am in menopause and no thank you very much do not want a normal period. I would like it to go away. My endo can't understand why my gyn did not do a full hysterectomy but he did say it had something to do with the insurance paying. I am going for a transverse ultrasound so that will shed some light on this matter. Any information would be of great help. Also I have been on medi weight loss and lost 30 lbs but for the last month I have not been able to stay on plan, I just want to eat everything I think I gain maybe 10lbs I am afraid to get on the scale although my clothes still feel big on me. But the only place that I feel bigger is the stomach. OK I think I have written a book sorry so long. I am a bit nervous don't want anymore surgery. Thanks for the help!!!!

[amadeus4313]

I've been on metformin (500 mg twice a day) for about a month. I've dropped 12 pounds. When I began taking metformin, all urges to binge left. I also follow an Atkins maintenance type diet.

[hpjrt]

I am on Metformin as well. I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes on May 12th. I finally saw the nurse at the Diabetes Clinic a week ago. I won't get to see the dietitian until June 22nd.

My doctor prescribed Metformin 250 mg twice a day ... so a total of 500 mg per day.

I have been exercising since just before the diagnosis [since they had found sugar in my urine and had ordered a fasting blood test, the diagnosis didn't come as a huge surprise.] I began with walking, adding at least 300 additional steps per day. A week ago I began using the Wii Active Personal Trainer. The exercise routine [which is described as a "full body" with both cardio and toning exercises] takes 40 to 60 minutes depending upon which routine I select.

So far I have had little to no direction as to how I am to lower my blood sugar levels ... but I have been monitoring with a glucose meter.

I found my fasting blood glucose readings were still too high so I decided I'd go back to low-carb eating. I'm a little afraid of induction, but I decided yesterday to begin by limiting my carbs to under 30 grams to see what happens.

My fasting blood sugar reading this morning was 8.4.

This morning I exercised, had a breakfast of 2 eggs and a small sugar-free yoghurt [for a breakfast total of 7.2 carbs]. Testing 60 minutes after eating my reading was 9.5. I had forgotten to take my morning dose of Metformin until around 11 am ...

I had lunch ... tinned salmon with mayo and 1 Lifestyle cookie [for a lunch total of 9.4 carbs]. Testing 2 hours after lunch my reading was 7.6!

So ... even though this is just my first day of limiting carbs ... it's already beginning to work to lower my blood sugar! Yay!

For dinner I'm planning on having pork chops and broccoli.

I know I should be starting with induction ... but I don't want to shock my body too much.

Is this approach in any way valid?

I've pre-ordered the Atkins Diabetes Revolution, paperback edition, but won't get it until July. I do need to lose 50 lbs ... and that's important to me ... but getting control of my blood sugar is of paramount importance.

I'm feeling very "lost" ... and I want to be proactive in terms of getting this under control.

My blood pressure and cholesterol were a little high as well ... but I'm thinking that once I get my blood sugar under control, they might come into line as well ... yes?

[NurseMonkee]

Originally Posted by HezzieLee

I've been on it for months and no change in my weight. 2 pills of 750 each. I am on Glucophage XR. (Non-generic version) All I'm concerned with is my health....the weight will come later.

Same here.
I saw some weight loss initially, but then regained it over night, and now am just stuck.

Originally Posted by roev210

I am 52 years young and just have been given metformin 500mg once a day for the first week and then the second week twice a day. I am not have diabetic, my endocrinologist tested for thyroid (I have multi nodule goiter) but the blood test for that came back fine so no meds for that. He also did DHEA, and all other hormonal testing which came back very high. Which is why he put me on metformin 500mg. My left ovary was removed in 2007 along with a cyst in the uterus, but left the uterus and the left ovary. Now my endo thinks that I could be poly cystic. All reports that I read tells me that this medicine treats for this but not for my age group I am in menopause and no thank you very much do not want a normal period. I would like it to go away. My endo can't understand why my gyn did not do a full hysterectomy but he did say it had something to do with the insurance paying. I am going for a transverse ultrasound so that will shed some light on this matter. Any information would be of great help. Also I have been on medi weight loss and lost 30 lbs but for the last month I have not been able to stay on plan, I just want to eat everything I think I gain maybe 10lbs I am afraid to get on the scale although my clothes still feel big on me. But the only place that I feel bigger is the stomach. OK I think I have written a book sorry so long. I am a bit nervous don't want anymore surgery. Thanks for the help!!!!

From my understanding metformin is most effective for PCOS if you are taking a dosage of 1,500 or above.

Have you checked out Soul Cysters? It is a great PCOS message board. I am sure that you will find lots there who can shine a bit more light and offer guidance based on similar experiences. Not to mention support which can be a blessing when you're going through testing, surgeries and the like.

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Originally Posted by hpjrt

I am on Metformin as well. I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes on May 12th.

So far I have had little to no direction as to how I am to lower my blood sugar levels ... but I have been monitoring with a glucose meter.

I found my fasting blood glucose readings were still too high so I decided I'd go back to low-carb eating. I'm a little afraid of induction, but I decided yesterday to begin by limiting my carbs to under 30 grams to see what happens.

Is this approach in any way valid?

I'm feeling very "lost" ... and I want to be proactive in terms of getting this under control.

Lowering carbs and exercising definitely helps. I lowered my numbers (in the 300's!) by 1/2 with low-carb and exercise. And then after I went on meds to give me that extra push to getting closer to normal readings. I think that you're on the right path and if you continue to stay focused, eat right, exercise, check your numbers, and take your meds, you'll be OK. Your first step should really be to learn as much as you can about Diabetes. You can't effectively treat it/manage it, unless you understand it first.

Have you visited Bloodsugar101's website?
She is a member of this board and has a website all about diabetes and how to control it. It has a load of information.

Check it out:
Blood Sugar 101

[hpjrt]

Lowering carbs and exercising definitely helps. I lowered my numbers (in the 300's!) by 1/2 with low-carb and exercise. And then after I went on meds to give me that extra push to getting closer to normal readings. I think that you're on the right path and if you continue to stay focused, eat right, exercise, check your numbers, and take your meds, you'll be OK. Your first step should really be to learn as much as you can about Diabetes. You can't effectively treat it/manage it, unless you understand it first.

Have you visited Bloodsugar101's website?
She is a member of this board and has a website all about diabetes and how to control it. It has a load of information.

Check it out:
Blood Sugar 101

Yes ... I've been spending quite a bit of time over there. I think I'm expecting too much too soon frankly. [I'm not known for my patience!]

However, yesterday I did see a couple of closer-to-normal readings after a couple of low carb meals. This was encouraging.

My readings this morning weren't great ... 8.9 just after getting up ... but I'm convinced that low carb is my route to getting those numbers under control ... I just have to keep at it and keep monitoring.

[NurseMonkee]

Originally Posted by hpjrt

Yes ... I've been spending quite a bit of time over there. I think I'm expecting too much too soon frankly. [I'm not known for my patience!]

However, yesterday I did see a couple of closer-to-normal readings after a couple of low carb meals. This was encouraging.

My readings this morning weren't great ... 8.9 just after getting up ... but I'm convinced that low carb is my route to getting those numbers under control ... I just have to keep at it and keep monitoring.

I am the same way. I wanted my numbers to suddenly be normal in a week. I would actually get a bit blue if I had a day where my numbers spiked. It's a big mental game, sometimes, but just stay focused. With time your numbers will go down. I think overall you're already doing great.

And you're absolutely right. Low-Carb is the way to go.

Keep us updated on how you're doing.

[hpjrt]

Originally Posted by NurseMonkee

I am the same way. I wanted my numbers to suddenly be normal in a week. I would actually get a bit blue if I had a day where my numbers spiked. It's a big mental game, sometimes, but just stay focused. With time your numbers will go down. I think overall you're already doing great.

And you're absolutely right. Low-Carb is the way to go.

Keep us updated on how you're doing.

I was really upset when after a cup of coffee [with cream] and waiting 1 hour, my reading spiked to 9.9! This tells me that coffee makes my blood sugar rise. I'll keep watching that. Is it the coffee or the caffeine?

After my 45 minutes of exercise [waiting 30 minutes before taking a blood reading] ... it had come down slightly to 9.2.

However, one hour after breakfast [2 fried eggs] and my morning 250 mg dose of metformin, it was down to 8.2. Still not great ... but going in the right direction.

At the moment I'm feeling fine ... but I confess to having a slightly panicky feeling ... but you're right ... it's a mental thing. Thankfully I've been reading more on the Blood Sugar 101 site and it would appear that it can take months to get the numbers down.

I have half an hour to go before taking the 2 hours after eating reading. I'm hoping that it's down in the area of 7 by then.

[vessel of prayer]

metformin since end of Feb. No weight loss here except from switching to lc eating and exercising five times daily. And metformin has not helped my feeling hungry all the time mode either. Even on strick atkins, I am still hungry. thats just me

[amadeus4313]

Yep, I defnitely think it's a "your mileage may vary" kind of thing. When I'm on metformin, I really don't care if I eat or not. It's made sticking to Atkins very easy. I'm down almost 14 pounds since I started on it.

[vessel of prayer]

amadeus, how many mg are you taking? Mine is 500 twice d. I wish it would make me lose my appetite!!

[amadeus4313]

Originally Posted by vessel of prayer

amadeus, how many mg are you taking? Mine is 500 twice d. I wish it would make me lose my appetite!!

I'm taking the same dosage. It makes me mildly nauseated.

[jenna...]

I'm on Metformin and I still get hungry. What I don't get is uncontrollable cravings for sugar and flour things. I was the 'true' junk-food junky. I would plan each day how I would have an excuse for DH and I to go to the store, what I would buy... chocolate things, m&m's, cookies, rice krispy bars and then eat the sugary goodness bags all by myself.

After Metformin, I would eat the crapfood and get no 'buzz' off of it. I might as well have been eating some meat for all the 'bounce' I'd get off of sugar. Since it didn't 'do' it for me anymore, I gradually quit wanting the sugar/flour goodies.

I no longer craved sugar but I had to separate out the overeating habit. Once I got rid of the habit. Wha-la... It wonderful to be without having to have/need sugar and starches.

I'm on 1000 a day. No nausea or other symptoms whether I eat or not.

[vessel of prayer]

I take my metformin after food. My dh takes it and does not get sick at all no matter when.

[CindyCRNA]

Sheila, my understanding is that you have to be on 1500mg/day to see appitite supression. Maybe upping your dose...

[vessel of prayer]

ooooo... ya, I will say to my dr. Up the dose for me. lol. I dont think he will. would be nice tho not to be hungry all the time.

[soon]

I am on 850 twice a day . It does not hurt your weight loss efforts like avandia and Iforget the name of that other one. It doesnt seem to help my numbers either still got to excercise and watch carbs but I have been diabetic for 12 years my whatchamacallits "islet" cells may be wearing out.

[VickiNC]

Originally Posted by CindyCRNA

Sheila, my understanding is that you have to be on 1500mg/day to see appitite supression. Maybe upping your dose...

Hi all, I'm on 500mg once a day, and have lost a total of 58 pounds since beginning met last November. Just 500mg did the trick for me, as far as appetite suppression goes--no cravings and no hunger! I eat very low carbs (try to stay between 25 to 50 per day).

I once asked my doc if I should up the dose to 1000 a day to get my BG a bit lower, and he said it might take me too low, in the long run. Turns out he was right!

[vessel of prayer]

Hi Vikki

wow, good for you. I have been on metformin since the end of February. I have lost only 4 pounds, lol since I started atkin 72 two weeks ago. I have been doing med carb before then. LOL. I am so glad it works for someone!!

[CindyCRNA]

Has anyone ever heard of hair loss due to Metformin useage? It is all over the internet but the drug company says it is not a side effect. Anyone have that problem?

[amadeus4313]

I haven't, but I'm only on 1000 mg. Maybe in higher doses there is hair loss.

[CindyCRNA]

Originally Posted by amadeus4313

I haven't, but I'm only on 1000 mg. Maybe in higher doses there is hair loss.

I read that those on less than 1500 didn't notice it but raise it to 1500 and SOME noticed it. I read that this may be due to Metformin interfering with B12 and you need to up your B12. Some were doing the B12 shots.

[vessel of prayer]

i asked my doc about b12 and he said they dont work. lol. anyhooo. no hair loss here

[NurseMonkee]

I haven't seen an increase, but then again, my hair already falls out easily. I really haven't been paying attention. I am so used to it that now my mind thinks it is somehow normal.

I'll keep an eye out this week. I am on 1,500mg of met.

[vessel of prayer]

oooooo my husband's hair has thinned over the last yr. wonder if its from that. he takes bacudles of it but then i thought it was from low testosterone. Dr just put him on the patch.

[sherlynn9]

I'm on 2,000 mg (1,000 twice daily). No hunger suppressant, no abnormal (for me hair loss), Not doing a good job of lowering my bs (I know my eating is interfering with that, I hate this time of year with all of the fresh fruit). And, I absolutely do not like the side affect of passing air. Would love not to be on Met for that reason. However, I do not want to go on any of the meds that cause the body to deplete those islet cells in the pancreas (think I have that correct).

The past few weeks, I've been on a new nutritional supplement (came on the market in Nov. 2008). However, I've not been as consistent as I need to be with it (4 servings per day, powder form, and I've been doing 2). My bs is slowly lowering and my morning bs is mostly less than my before bed bs (which is a reversal from what it used to be), so I know it is working, I just need to add those additional 2 servings and perhaps I'll see the same kind of results my friend saw (from fasting of 268 to fasting of 128 in 10 weeks).

Lucky you for whom metformin is an appetite suppresant and for those who have none of the unpleasant side affects.

Sheryl