Is anyone taking Metformin for Diabetes. How long do they take to work?
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i started out on the 500mg, but ended up on the 850mgx3 daily and a few months later got given another tab glicazide. now my diabetes is under control so it did take a few months for my levels to get under control.
Yes, I'm on 500mg daily. Seemed to click in almost at once for me. I've just seen the Doc for a review and he was very pleased with me.
By the way, did you know that once you are prescribed Metformin, you no longer have to pay for any NHS prescriptions? You can get a form from the doctor.
I am. They begin to work immediately, even the ER or extended release ones, but the higher your blood sugars when you begin, the longer it may take to get them under control. If you are circumventing the process by not exercising, or by eating too many carbs/too much food at a time, you will also see their effect plateau and not get any better after a point. I am a 6' 208lb. woman. I eat extremely well, but do not exercise much, if at all. (I am a single working mother of a disabled child, so it is very, very hard for me to get myself out of the house for a walk, like pulling teeth in fact...I'm working on it.) I am also on GlipizideER, and at maximum doses on both meds, 1,000mg 2x/day and 10mg, 2x/day, btw. My blood sugars are very rarely, if ever below 200 and seem to trend around 280-290, which is still way too high. If I am not on any meds, they would be in the 600-900 or higher range, and I'd be writing this to you from the mental hospital or the regular hospital. I tried for years to heal this condition naturopathically, and it just would not work. I almost never miss a dose of meds. I'm religious about taking them. I'm also pretty good about taking my blood sugars (when my meter's working, which it isn't at the moment...) I am going to have to go back on insulin. The point of this conversation is to tell you and to show you that this is an insidious disease. Most longterm diabetics, especially the brittle ones whose blood sugars refuse to stay in control usually have to go back on insulin to get the kind of control their bodies need long term. You get used to it after a while. The shots don't hurt and they really don't bother me any more. I took 186 shots per month plus 5-9 fingerstick per day plus labs and blood tests to have my daughter 11 years ago, and I would go through the same thing all over again in a heartbeat. After that many needles, and that much fear would everything be all right?, 2 shots a day is nothing to save your life, keep your eyes, and keep your legs and kidneys functioning well. There are a lot worse diseases out there. Cancer would be one, AIDS another.
Blessings on you. Please remember it could always be worse: "I cried about having no shoes, until I saw the man who had no legs..."
I'm on Metformin. One 500 mgm tablet with each meal. I don't know where these other people are getting that instant effect.
The drug is good for 5-6 hours after ingestion. It should reduce your blood glucose level 50-75 points from its fasting level. It doesn't cause production of insulin. It merely tempers blood sugar levels. I also take one tablet of Plioglitazone (Actos) a day.
Good liver function is essential for both drugs. And Metformin should not be taken past age 70.
yes im on Metformin been on it for three years it took about two weeks to work
Dreamgirl 1
I have been on Metformin for about eight years, I take the 850gm three times a day after meals, I was on another tablet Glimeripride as well to be taken in the mornings before food, they worked fine for six years then I started to get problems again and my sugars went up. eventually I was put onto Insulin and taken of the Glimeripride tablet. I am now still taking the Metformin three times a day and Insulin twice a day and my sugars are now back in control.
I will tell you, if you don't know already, taking metformin can have side effects like most meds. I have found that the worst one that does affect me and several of my friends is excess flatulence. When I say excess I mean Excess!! Quite embarrassing at times. so be warned.
when I was first diagnosed with Diabetes my sugar levels were 26 or more after diet I went down to 18 but after Metformin I was down below 10, now after starting on Insulin last year they are between 5 and 7.5 and I feel a lot better in myself, (still fart a lot though).
Hello Janet
Was told by my doctor at least 6 weeks however w3 months are a best indication of a time to wait. Metformin helps your insulin be more productive. You may suffer like myself with lack of feeling in the side of you feet of sharp pains in your joints. Metformin will help these conditions.
Take care and look after your self.
Nessie fae Loch Ness!
hi. they work almost straight away. i am diabetic my self so i know what you are going though. 9 years now.
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