Metformin experiences?

I am on 2000mg of met. My advice: Take it with food..srsly. It might give u tummy issues at first but it will pass. i haven't been eating or exercising properly enough to tell you if it helps with weightloss. I will say when I do take it like I am supposed to I have an easier time staying in my calorie range.

As I'm sure others will state (and already have), most people tolerate Metformin extremely well after a brief 'adjustment' period usually characterized by gastro-intestinal issues... ie: diarrhea, etc.

My suggest is start on a low dose and gradually increase it to what's prescribed. IE: if prescribed 2000mg daily, start at 500mg and work up over a few weeks... It's easier on your system that way, with less need to be near a bathroom

Once the symptoms lessen (they will) it really helps with insulin-sensitivity, and many people taking it do experience weight-loss.

If you haven't already, I'd watch your intake of refined carbohydrates (flour, sugar) as well as grains/starches. Anyone with insulin-resistance will find their best source of carbohydrate is non-starchy vegetables, but many tolerate reasonable servings of whole grains (note, "whole wheat" is almost never "whole grain") and lower-GI carbohydrate. Amazingly, if reducing calories by eliminating these products, the best thing to replace those calories with is fat - with the exception of refined oils and trans-fats.

I was on it for quite a few years for PCOS, I did have a few gastro issues, but just for a week or two. I did not work out like crazy while on it, just tried to eat healthier food and excercised a bit and I was steady. At the time I wasn't having periods and was only taking Metformin, no birth control, and it was enough to make them regular. I know a girl who took Metformin and starting upping her workouts and she lost quite a bit of weight. I went off the medication after my liver enzymes went a bit too high. I just tapered off them and didn't take any supplements or pills for over a year, not even a Tylenol. My periods stayed the same and my hormone levels all tested normal. For me, I contribute the Metformin for helping to normalize my hormone levels. I have been off of it for 3 years now and have only skipped maybe 1 or 2 periods and this was when I wasn't active. Now granted I have a lot of weight to lose still, but having normal periods is outstanding considering they were very irregular since age 13 and have only starting having normal ones in the past 3 years, I am now 37- well I turn 37 tomorrow! Good luck, let your body be your guide, if you start them and after a few weeks don't feel right, see your doctor about tapering off or changing the dosage. My doctor started me on a low dosage and would then up it every few months. My fasting glucose was the same as yours, sometimes 100, sometimes in the high 90's. Metformin did stabilize it. Best wishes!

As I'm sure others will state (and already have), most people tolerate Metformin extremely well after a brief 'adjustment' period usually characterized by gastro-intestinal issues... ie: diarrhea, etc.

My suggest is start on a low dose and gradually increase it to what's prescribed. IE: if prescribed 2000mg daily, start at 500mg and work up over a few weeks... It's easier on your system that way, with less need to be near a bathroom

Once the symptoms lessen (they will) it really helps with insulin-sensitivity, and many people taking it do experience weight-loss.

If you haven't already, I'd watch your intake of refined carbohydrates (flour, sugar) as well as grains/starches. Anyone with insulin-resistance will find their best source of carbohydrate is non-starchy vegetables, but many tolerate reasonable servings of whole grains (note, "whole wheat" is almost never "whole grain") and lower-GI carbohydrate. Amazingly, if reducing calories by eliminating these products, the best thing to replace those calories with is fat - with the exception of refined oils and trans-fats.

Try this first if you haven't already.

I take metformin and It's actually worked really well for me. I'm on and off it because of the god awful 'Stomach' issues but I've now committed to it. DO NOT BY ANY MEANS EAT ICE CREAM. That is the perfect mixture of fats and sugars to bring you on your knees (or well on your butt) to the porcelain throne.

I've been on Metformin for a couple years now. I'll never forget my first experience, I took the full dose and my body reacted quickly. Wasn't pleasant. I tried it again, a couple days later. Same thing. I refused to take it again. Then about a year later, doc put me back on it. I explained what happened, and she said to start small and work my way up to full dose. So, depending on what you're on, take about 1/4 of the dose for a couple days, then up to 1/2, then up to 3/4 and then the full dose. Go slowly.

I've gotten my A1C down to 6.1. It has made a difference, even if my daily finger tests don't show it.

Feel free to friend me on facebook. My facebook username is same as this one: Desireelynnbr.

If you haven't already, I'd watch your intake of refined carbohydrates (flour, sugar) as well as grains/starches. Anyone with insulin-resistance will find their best source of carbohydrate is non-starchy vegetables, but many tolerate reasonable servings of whole grains (note, "whole wheat" is almost never "whole grain") and lower-GI carbohydrate. Amazingly, if reducing calories by eliminating these products, the best thing to replace those calories with is fat - with the exception of refined oils and trans-fats.

Try this first if you haven't already.
[/quote]

I agree with them.
I was put on Metformin because of my A1C level. It took about two weeks for me to stop running to the bathroom(and barely making it). Even after that the thought of food was revolting for a LONG time. I lived on toast with PB. That's worn off now though, I don't think it does much for my appetite any longer.

I was lucky no side effects that I noticed which is a whole lot like no side effects. I just started on it 8 days ago and I didn't get a warning, now I am not sure if that was a good thing or not. I would have liked one I think. But, then I would have worried. And it would have been for nothing. But, still...

http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/type-2-diabetes/7859-metformin-when-to-take.html

Thanks, cubbies77! I always thought it was so you didn't get sick, and didn't realize about the absorption. Interesting!

Yeah, me neither. Oops! Now I need to make sure I take it with food. I thought that was just to help with the side effects. Good thing I read that article.

I have been off and on it for a few years. I was told back in DEC that I did not have PCOS to stop taking Metformin. Finally was able to see a Endocrinolgist, who ran test, and guess what? i do have PCOS. After gaining back 30 pounds, I am not back on and having side effects I have never had. Severe leg cramps. Legs feel real weak. Not doing anything different in lifestyle. I have never experienced this one.

I have been off and on it for a few years. I was told back in DEC that I did not have PCOS to stop taking Metformin. Finally was able to see a Endocrinolgist, who ran test, and guess what? i do have PCOS. After gaining back 30 pounds, I am not back on and having side effects I have never had. Severe leg cramps. Legs feel real weak. Not doing anything different in lifestyle. I have never experienced this one.

I'd talk to your doctor about the leg cramps. If you haven't added any different exercises, the leg cramps could be a side effect of something (not necessarily the medication).

I was originally prescribed 2000 mg daily, to be ramped up over a month or so. Only had gastro problems in the first week or two. After losing 10% of my body weight my HA!C was quite good, and GP advised me to start experimenting with reducing the dosage. Am currently on 1000mg and my blood glucose is usually 4.7-5.4 fasting or two hours after meals. Will probably try reducing to 500mg next week.