Metformin and Byetta
My A1C dropped from 9.2 to 7.2 in six months, but I haven't lost any
weight. On Friday, my PCP was alarmed that I have been taking 2000 mg
of Metformin XR a day. He said he didn't know that?????? He also said
he thought I was on regular Metformin. I told him his "girl" argued
with me saying that there is only one kind of Metformin. My pharmacist
had to explain that to her. ( I think she didn't transcribe the XR part
of Metformin.) Anyway, because of my gastrointestinal problems lately,
he cut my Metformin XR in half, claiming that 1000 mg daily is the recommended maximum
dose. He said only regular Metformin can be used in higher dosages.
All I can say is that the gastrointestinal problems have decreased, but
my fasting blood glucose is up over 200 now. Anyone else ever been told the same thing? I don't know why he didn't prescribe something else to get my numbers down.
weight. On Friday, my PCP was alarmed that I have been taking 2000 mg
of Metformin XR a day. He said he didn't know that?????? He also said
he thought I was on regular Metformin. I told him his "girl" argued
with me saying that there is only one kind of Metformin. My pharmacist
had to explain that to her. ( I think she didn't transcribe the XR part
of Metformin.) Anyway, because of my gastrointestinal problems lately,
he cut my Metformin XR in half, claiming that 1000 mg daily is the recommended maximum
dose. He said only regular Metformin can be used in higher dosages.
All I can say is that the gastrointestinal problems have decreased, but
my fasting blood glucose is up over 200 now. Anyone else ever been told the same thing? I don't know why he didn't prescribe something else to get my numbers down.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Tony S. on -
Hi, Sue: I take regular Metformin 1000 mg 1 pill two times a day. I take one Prilosec OTC caplet daily with my first Byetta shot of the day on the advice of my gastroenterologist. My indigestion is a thing of the past. My A1c is at about 7.3, about where yours was, and is down from the 8.4 of about six months ago, Also on Prandin 2 mg. with each meal. That plus portion control and exercise [walking] has helped with both weight control and BS numbers. Just smaller meals and timing that first Byetta shot of the day plus the Prilosec at about 45 minutes before my first meal of the day. My downfall was late night snacking leading to high a.m. BS levels. Hope this helps you.
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Permalink Reply by jonesy on -
thanks for the tip about prilosec tony. i take byetta 2x a day. am currently on avandia, but just spoke to dr. about changing it. wouldnt mind going back on metformin., seems the problems tapered off after a week or so. my a1c went from 8.3 to 6.9. lost , 15 pounds when i first started the byetta . i find though that i am not as aware as i should be in taking care of myself.
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Permalink Reply by Brian (bsc) on -
You doctor seems like a "twit." The maximum for metformin, both regular and extended release (XR) is 2500 mg. Many people find they tolerate the XR much better with less of the gastric distress.
Having a fasting blood sugar over 200 mg/dl is "intolerable" You need to get back on track and if you can tolerate it get back on sufficient medication to start to get that blood sugar down.
My advice, fire your "boneheaded" doctor. If he does not know even the simplest information about diabetes and it's treatment, then he is not the doctor you want making health recommendations for you. You have had diabetes for more than ten years, you should also know all this and take more direct action to get things on track.
We would all be happy to help you in this journey, find a new doctor, get proper treatment and get your blood sugar in order, we are rooting for you.
ps. Weight will come in time, but having a fasting > 200 mg/dl will defeat your attempts at losing weight. -
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