[patpuckett]

I am in the midst of a metformin quandary. When my A1c dropped to 6.1 eighteen months ago, my dr reduced my dosage to 1000 mg/day from 2000 mg/day. I, however, continued taking 2000 mg/day. This week's A1c came back at 5.5% so the dr was not going to increase my dosage and I'm not going to be able to sustain the 2000 mg/day as my prescription has caught up with the lower dose.

I went to the appointment armed with this information from the NIH: Adults —In general, clinically significant responses are not seen at doses below 1500 mg per day. However, a lower recommended starting dose and gradually increased dosage is advised to minimize gastrointestinal symptoms.
The usual starting dose of metformin hydrochloride tablets USP is 500 mg twice a day or 850 mg once a day, given with meals. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 500 mg weekly or 850 mg every 2 weeks, up to a total of 2000 mg per day, given in divided doses. Patients can also be titrated from 500 mg twice a day to 850 mg twice a day after 2 weeks. For those patients requiring additional glycemic control, metformin hydrochloride tablets USP may be given to a maximum daily dose of 2550 mg per day. Doses above 2000 mg may be better tolerated given three times a day with meals.

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym...e62c-54bc-452d-8826-0238d25330db&type=display

When I was first diagnosed, I was able to bring my A1c from a high reading to 5.8% within 6 months just by a change in diet. I went very low carb but not high fat. Now I am adding more and more fat and less protein and my readings typically range from 85 - 105, with a few morning fastings at 120 - 130.

So I am planning to ditch the metformin experimentally. If my numbers increase more than I expect, I'll go back to the met and I'll be able to do 2000 mg/day by skipping a month. But why take the lower dose if it does not have a "clinically significant response?" Diet obviously does.

 

[Bunjee]

PatPuckett, I think it's a mistake to go cold turkey. Remember that you have an illness. More prudent would be to reduce the mg. you take daily and see how that goes. The fact that you still have regular readings above 100 for fasting glucose means you still need metformin.

If you want 2000 mg daily, then find some justifications for your doctor to consider. You are not a study rat - you are trying to deal with your health specifically. However, keep in mind that the studies show 1000-1500 mg. to be effective, but that there was an increase in lowering BG when using 2000 mg. That doesn't mean you MUST use 2000 mg. Given your current A1C, cutting your amount some would seem reasonable to see how you go with your current diet regimen.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263873/

 

[Bunjee]

Chaidragonfire, there are so many bad results from liposuction, please, reconsider this option. Unfortunately, like me, you stagnate at a weight because (a) you aren't getting enough exercise and (b) your diet. I'm there with you! I get it! I think I just need to track calories - I've got the fat amount right now, but just need to cut calories or increase exercise.

 

[Squawkx]

It messed with my stomach, and never did agree with me, and I am glad that I went on Lantus & Novolog.

 

[Chrystal]

After a decade of suffering with metformin, I told the dr. enough. I was taking insulin, in addition to the metformin, for most of those 10 years. Two years later, my A1c is 6.2 with insulin and diet. Now, I'm hearing that gallbladder problems and gallstones may be caused by metformin. Does anyone know if there is a correlation between metformin and gallstones?

 

[mbuster]

This study says the effect is a reduced risk of gallstones. They are more correlated with metabolic disorders (ie diabetes).

Were you taking the regular metformin. It does cause digestive discomforts for many but usually it is short term. If you haven't tried the extended release metformin, it may be worth a try.