How Long Does It Take Metformin To Work For Diabetes?
Posted in Definition on 27. Feb, 2010
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and started taking metformin last week, but my sugar numbers have not come down. I haven’t eaten anything off the recommended diet. Does it take days to work?
My mother started seeing a slight drop the next day. The dose has to be built up over a period of months, so it will take time for any real change. You should probably check with your pharmacist, as they will have a better idea of what you should expect.
Regarding the diarrhea, get some yogurt with live active culture in it, one that doesn’t have any added sugar. There’s one with Splenda which is quite good. You want a low carb yogurt with active culture.
Take a serving of this yogurt with your Metformin. That should stop the diarrhea. If it doesn’t work, ask your doctor for time released Metformin. Its more expensive, but if the yogurt doesn’t work, that should do it.
Also, try eating low carb, The South Beach Diet Book is a good place to start.
I hope you can get it to work for you, its the safest oral medication for diabetes available and has been around a long time. It has a good track record.
I had a very bad, rare reaction to it with the very first pill so I had to drop it.
Metformin/Glucophage is a systemic drug. It will take about 3 to 4 weeks for it to show any results in your glucose numbers.
Which recommended diet? the ADA suggestions? they are cracked and not in the 21st century and advise too many starchy carbs. If you stay with this food plan, you will be defeating your own purpose by taking the meds.
Go to http://www.mendosa.com for the original Glycemic Index of foods. Choose foods from the lower numbers, say under 50.
Also you might want to read this website for insight into 21st century dietary guidelines on diabetic control: http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/Newl…
usually dosage is adjusted if needed at 2-3 week intervals. keep a journal of all your numbers (date, time, relationship to meal, and sugar level) and share that with your physician.
I have been on met for about 2 years, but my numbers started to come down within the first month. I do agree with the diarrhea. You better stay close to a rest room when you first start this until your tummy can get use to it. To me this medicine works best in the morning when you eat something right after taking it. It seems to control it better. I take it twice a day and it has brought my numbers down dramatically. Good luck and remember to keep an eye on your numbers and stick to your diet. Taters will run your numbers like a rocket to the sky.
It may take 2 to 3 months for metformin to bring your readings down where they should be. Be patient and watch your diet. Get some exercise like walking 30 min each day. Take your meds when your doc tells you and test your blood often. If you are worried about something, contact your doctor, that’s what he’s for. I was on metformin for a long time. It took almost 4 months for my readings to come down. It happens slowly. You may get diarhea from the drug, but that is a side effect that will go away in time.