Any knowledgeable diabetics around?

akf2000
akf2000 Posts: 278 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm asking because I'm an unknowledgeable diabetic.

I've been feeling light-headed and getting weird electric-shock type sensations in my fingers recently. I took some blood glucose tests today and, without having taken any medication, they're in the normal range. This is the first time I can remember it happening. I took a pre and postprandial readings, weirdly the post was lower than pre?!

My doctor is totally useless and impossible to get hold of.

On the basis that anything you tell me is non-binding do you think it's ok for me to stop taking the pills (1,000mg metformin twice/ day)? Is taking them if my bloods are ok actually damaging?

Replies

  • suzyjane1972
    suzyjane1972 Posts: 612 Member
    edited June 2016
    Don't stop your medication without asking a doctor....if your doctor is useless go see another one in the practice. Do you have any pharmacists who have had further training to.enable them to write prescriptions and see if they think cutting your dose would be a good idea
  • akf2000
    akf2000 Posts: 278 Member
    suzyjane1972 wrote: »
    Don't stop your medication without asking a doctor....if your doctor is useless go see another one in the practice. Do you have any pharmacists who have had further training to.enable them to write prescriptions and see if they think cutting your dose would be a good idea

    oh yeah! I forgot about pharmacists, the Boots near me has some very helpful people who you can have consultations with! totally forgot.
  • AbbyGary
    AbbyGary Posts: 12 Member
    ---Diagnosed 3 years ago---

    It takes about 3 days for metformin to completely leave your system, so if your glucose levels are normal, it's because the medication is doing its job. If you're starting to feel sick, talk to your doctor about decreasing the dosage. If you feel like your doctor is useless, seems to me like you need find another doctor who wants to help you.

    You could also be experiencing symptoms of Hypoglycemia. Try to increase your protein intake and have a snack every 2-3 hours.
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    I have a doctor ( a family physician) but also there are 2 diabetic educators available in the community and pharmacists.

    While day to day blood glucose numbers are ok it is important to look at your HA1C every 3 months. And to see you doctor every 3 months-to adjust medication based on this.

    I get my first 3 month Dr. visit on Monday. My numbers have been great and perhaps I'll cut down on my metformin but not eliminate it. It is doing it's job. I'm on 3 pills a day.

    I've been doing my job and have lost 35 lbs and increased my exercise. I also have lowered the amount of carbs I eat.
  • Noelani1503
    Noelani1503 Posts: 378 Member
    Definitely see a doc before stopping your meds. Have you checked your blood glucose during one of these episodes? You may have normal glucose pre and post prandial, but still be experiencing hypoglycemia at other times. It would be helpful to have that information when you go to the doctor.
  • akf2000
    akf2000 Posts: 278 Member
    Thanks, everyone. I'm going to take a ton of glucose tests over the weekend to see how this is panning out. I hope I don't run out of fingers to prick.
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