Meds change

[Fernsmum]

Hi all , some of you might know that I also have type 2 diabetes as well as IBS, well I worked out that over the time I've been taking Metforming for my diabetes I was having much more trouble with ibs d!!,so I spoke to my diabetic nurse who suggested taking I metforming rather than 2,but here's the catch I'm now have ibs c!!!, not sure which is worse , as I have more appetite now but also more tummy pain mostly on my right side ,any suggestions welcome , thanks for reading this .

[GwenDee]

What is your blood glucose doing with the decrease in metformin? I take four-500mg tablets a day, either 2 and 2, or 1 four times a day spread out; 2+2 gives me the best BGs, though.

Met dosage is based on BGs and need, so why would they cut it? There are ways to ameliorate T2DM if you have some decent beta cell function and good triglyceride numbers (high = massive amounts of circulating insulin making you insulin resistant), without metformin, but it takes work. Low-carb eating and regular exercise. (I do this PLUS 2000mg met-er; am old diabetic, and only lowish carb.)

What version of metformin are you taking? I've been on met for at least 15 years. I went off because of the horrible side effects, a couple of times, but blew my BG numbers up, so came back. Finally I insisted on the extended release version, now generic in the US, and it's made a world of difference in stomach upset, cramping from toes to ends of my hair while turning my belly inside out (I swear!) -- these are mostly gone, and have no obvious relation to IBS. I have D, and if C, ever, it's mild and transient. I am very s l o w to go, and do cramp some, but nothing like the metformin reaction (middle of the night, both ends going, and severe pain as mentioned).

Clearly I have lots to say but wish to keep it relevant! Hope I sort of succeeded, at least.

[Fernsmum in reply to GwenDee]

Hi GwenDee,Thanks for your reply ,wow your on a much higher dose of metformin than me , I was on 500mg twice daily , but no appetite lost about 2 1/2 stone I weight ,and felt like rubbish, now done to 1 tab a day , but as stated still don't feel great but have a much better appetite, have now managed to get a telephone appointment with my gp tomorrow , so am hoping for some answers , meantime my readings don't seem to have changed much , just fed up with having to do a lot of the donkey work for the Dr's, as I've never yet had a proper conversation with a medical person as regards of how to look after myself ,what to expect etc (as regards type 2 ), sorry to whinge but it does get me down at time , take care xx

[GwenDee in reply to Fernsmum]

I was so lucky! My second doc loaned me his copy of Protein Power (Eades) and suggested Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution, when it finally came out. The Eades place too much emphasis on protein, but they're basically right. Bernstein is a genius; his books are great for beginners. Then it's eat (carbs, really) to your meter's results. Dxed in 1997, I'm really in better condition (energy, activity levels, general health) than most half my age, so it works. It's always taken the max safe dose of metformin to work; I have minimal beta cell function but have maintained or built it some in the past 25 1/2 years.

First doc fired me for wanting to learn and control my own diabetes (she wouldn't allow me a BG meter). LOL: her. Everything after second doc's help was on my own, or through Bernstein's on-line groups. In the US, so our numbers are different, but my A1Cs when I do metformin and low-carb and exercise stay in the normal range -- not good-for-a-diabetic, but actual normal. This helps me feel better in all ways, too.

I do hope you get solid answers and real help.

[Fernsmum]

Really pleased for you ,and hope to get myself sorted out properly ,best wishes to you for 2023 xx