Re: Starting Glucophage

"Alan S" <loralgtweightandcarbs@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:crfj44t2qn86cd29lopmp1b98cgm4r4lep@xxxxxxxxxx
On Fri, 6 Jun 2008 17:26:39 -0400, "Willy"
<wesk@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Hello All:

I'm new to this group, and recently diagnosed diabetic (3 weeks ago). Just
a few questions for those of you with much life experience on this subject.

I started Glucophage two weeks ago.

What dosage are you on?

At that time, my glucose was running
around 400 consistently, with slight decreases after meals. (yes, that
correct, AFTER meals) Two weeks later I am now running mid 200's with the
lowest level being 160 and that after one hour of exercise. I am eating
100% correctly, low carbs, low fat, completely avoiding fruits right now,
lot's of veggies.


Please define "eating 100% correctly" in more detail.

What, exactly, did you eat over the past 24 hours? Including
all sides, snacks and drinks.


My issue is that I have absolutely felt like CRAP ever since I started
taking the Metformin. To best describe how I feel, I wake up with a
hangover EVERY day. Some days are worse than others. By noon I feel
better, and after vigorous exercise I feel good. I've mentioned this to
both my Dr. and a nurse/dietician, and they both indicated something to the
affect of "give it time, and it takes a while".

That can be true, for some people the side effects do reduce
over a few weeks. But for some they don't. I see Priscilla
and Susan have already answered; we have had others like
Donna in France who were totally allergic to metformin (aka
Glucophage). I would not give it much longer before
repeating that call to the doc, and I would resist any
increases until the problem reduces. There are other
alternatives if dietary change is inadequate, including
insulin.

But in browsing the newsgroups, I don't see ANYONE complaining of these
symptoms, so I'm really just wanting to hear that this is "normal" and pray
to GOD that it will eventually go away as it appears my dosage will be
increased after another week or so. There is no possible way I can continue
living like this, so I pray this is temporary... someone tell me it
is!!!!!!!!!!!!

The other issue that I hear commonly mentioned is tiredness. Oh boy!!! I'm
a 53 y/o male and I feel like a 90 year old that needs several naps a day.
Unfortunately since making money is still an essential priority in my life,
I mostly PUSH myself, or rather, DRAG myself particularly through the
afternoons.

You are in the process of coming out of glucotoxicity in my
lay opinion. Those symptoms can happen in people who have
reduced carbs from previously high levels and at the same
time reduced blood glucose levels dramatically. Your body is
protesting at the change. You are also suffering from
greater swings in BG's, from lower to high and back again
instead of staying too high. You may also get "false hypo"
symptoms where you suffer from shakes, disorientation or
nausea but your BG's are not at hypo levels, although much
lower than they were. It is worth persisting because you're
body will adjust with time. But I know it's not pleasant.

Do these issues sound familiar, and if so, have you found that they resolved
once you achieved a healthy GL?

The other issue I find is that my glucose generally DROPS after meals,
particularly meals with 45g or carbs. That is consistently when I get my
best readings. Does anyone else see this as their norm???

Timing is everything. If you are testing at two or three
hours after eating it is quite likely you went very high
earlier, say one hour and are reactively dropping by the
time you test. I recommend you try testing earlier, try one
hour after you finish your last bite.

These may help. On getting started right:
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/2006/10/d-day.html

The best advice I ever read on testing and diet:
http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/NewlyDiagnosed.htm

And how I put that into practice myself:
http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/2006/10/test-review-adjust.html

Cheers Alan, T2, Australia.
d&e, metformin 1500mg, ezetrol 10mg

I have no medical qualifications beyond my own experience.
Choose your advisers carefully, because experience can be
an expensive teacher.

Everything in Moderation - Except Laughter.



In my case, my LOWEST readings are usually one hour after eating. I test upon rising, and again three hours after my evening meal (Dr's orders)... the other tests are simply my own personal tracking. It seems my gc rises during the night... my morning readings are sometimes the highest. I don't believe I spike after meals, but give me your thoughts as to when I should take readings and I'll try it for a few days.

When I say "eating right"... here's a typical day.

Breakfast:
Egg Beaters
2 slice low carb toast with small amount of sugar free jam on one piece.

Lunch:
Grilled chicken salad with croutons and vinaigrette dressing on the side.

Dinner:
Grilled Pork chop or Grilled chicken or something similar
Rice, usually brown or flavored, around 1 cup.
Steamed veggies

Take gc reading 3 hours after meal, then if I snack, it's usually something like a single portion of sugar free pudding or artificially sweetened low fat yogurt.

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,

Willy


.

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