diabetes mellitus
Research
Treatment
Source: Annals of internal medicine
A variety of medications for type 2 diabetes: comparison of the efficacy and drawbacks
In a nutshell
The aim of this review was to summarize the benefits and harms of several drugs commonly used for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Some background
Treatment for T2DM usually starts with diet changes and exercise because it is largely associated with obesity. Treating T2DM with medications aims to lower blood glucose levels. Medications can stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, increase the sensitivity to insulin, or reduce glucose release and absorption into the bloodstream.
Most of the drugs for T2DM are taken orally apart from insulin, which is normally injected. A couple of different oral medications are often prescribed with insulin, in order to increase their effect.
Methods & findings
This paper reviews the results of 166 clinical trials and studies that evaluated the efficacy of numerous drug combinations for T2DM. Some of the studied drugs include meglitinides (nateglinide [Starlix], repaglinide [Prandin, NovoNorm, GlucoNorm]) and sulfonylureas (glimepiride [Amaryl]), both designed to increase insulin release from the pancreas. Others are thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone [Avandia], pioglitazone [Actos]) and metformin (Glucophage), which increase organ sensitivity to insulin. The main effect of metformin is to reduce glucose production by the liver (called 'hepatic gluconeogenesis'). Two newer types of medication include DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin [Januvia], linagliptin [Tradjenta]) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (exenatide [Byetta, Bydureon]), both of which increase insulin production, and sensitize tissues to insulin activity.
Taken together, results from the included studies show that all classes of medication reduced almost equally blood glucose levels. GLP-1 agonists registered weight loss in comparison with the weight gain seen in patients treated with sulfonylureas. Patients treated with sulfonylureas also had a higher risk of hypoglycemia (a life-threatening drop in blood glucose level). Patients treated with thiazolidinediones had a higher risk of heart failure compared to those treated with sulfonylureas and a higher risk of bone fracture compared to those treated with metformin. Metformin reduced cholesterol in addition to glucose levels.
The bottom line
Overall results show that metformin should be the first given medication for the treatment of T2DM. Other medications and combinations reduce glucose levels to the same extent but have more side effects and greater risk of hypoglycemia.
The fine print
The study has some limitations. One of them is that only English-written publications were reviewed. Moreover, many studies were small, of short duration, and had limited ability to assess clinically important harms and benefits.
Disclaimer:
This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use the information provided by Medivizor solely at your own risk. Medivizor makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy of information provided herein. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a physician.
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I cant do with the side effects of Metformin, stomach upset, bloating excess wind and flatulence, occasional bowel problems Reply
I suffer with the same side effects, including regular gastric problems. My doctor does not want to experiment with other medication.
There must be other medication that is available. I am considering gastric banding as it is supposed to be an instant cure, so am just trying to raise the money. Reply
Gastric banding is not an instant cure because you still have to consider calorie intake Reply
I was told if I had the gastric band I would lose weight but would still be diabetic so would still need need to take my medication but maybe not in the amounts I am taking now bit didn't have it because there was no funding for removal of all the loose skin left over and at that time people got depressed because lack of help and there was a lot of people who took their own lives. Reply
I started taking the b rand name Glumetza and my stomach problems have went away. My mother also tried this and it work. You might also try a combination drug Januvia and Metformin to see if you get same results as me. I hope you will try you may get lucky! Janumet is the name of the other drug you may try. Reply
I have taken Januvia, when I went to Rehab several months ago they took me off from it. I will talk to my doctor on the 28th to see WHY!
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It's above this. Reply
I took Janumet for a few years until my diabetes began to get worse. It did help me. Now I am on metformin and insulin. They tried byetta and vitoza and they made me sick. Mine is good sometimes but if I gain weight it gets bad again. It's a bad disease. Try to keep it controlled if possible because it does affect other organs. I had to have a pacemaker this year. I was always healthy until I was diagnosed with diabetes. Reply
I am in the victoza and find that if I take a combination of omeprazole and cyclizine the nausea isn't too bad. Can't take the metformin. Reply
ill have to ask my doctor
thxs for the info
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I currently take Janumet twice a day but I find if I take it with something in my stomach, then the gastric problems arent as bad. I suffer from IBS so found taking it with nothing in my stomach sat me on the toilet fairly quickly. Reply
I can't hack it.
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I Am one that can't take metform I had bowl trouble to it I never knew when it would hit me Reply
I hear that! I've even had bowel movements that required washing the bed clothes in the middle of the night with Metformin. I asked the doctor to put me on something different but she believes strongly in the powers of Metformin. Reply
Have been on Metformin for 5 years now and just this year have i been experiencing the side effects of Metformin. Used to take 1500, but now take 500, daily, The bloated, excess wind and uncontrollable bowel actions are dreadful, and of course these sort of things only every happen when you miles away from the Loo. Reply
same here but my doctor told me I have a kink in my large intestine but hasn't did any thing about it same as my hynna Reply
I was house bound with the effects of metformin for 2 years. Was then changed to glucophage sr and it was fantastic. All side effects gone Reply
GLUE GOP HAVE DID EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE FOR ME, NO CONTROL OF BOWELS. Reply
Its the same with me, I was very ill with metformin and could not do anything during the day. I had a very horrible time with it. I have stopped taking it. Reply
You may be taking too high of a dosage Reply
I tried Metformin too and it hurt my stomach. The aide affects were unbearable. Then they gave me Byetta and I took it for a year but it too began to bother my stomach. Finally they gave me Victoza. It worked. I have no side affects at all and it helped me to lose some weight. Reply
can you quit taking metformin and just stay on victoza
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I tried Metformin too and it hurt my stomach. The aide affects were unbearable. Then they gave me Byetta and I took it for a year but it too began to bother my stomach. Finally they gave me Victoza. It worked. I have no side affects at all and it helped me to lose some weight. Reply
I cannot take metforman it will kill me. Reply
I have been on metformin for over 10 years with no problems or side effects. Reply
me too Rod.
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I have also been on Metformin for about 15 years and never had any problem or side effects. Reply
E Dominic I've been on Metformin for over 10 years now I'm actually taking 2000 mg a day and I have no problems ever with this medication Reply
I had the same problems with Metformin, but then my Dr. prescribed Glumetzide, which is a slow release form of Metformin. I have not had any problems with this. Reply
Goo that works for me too ✌ Reply
I take metformin and never had a problem with it I take the hcl though..i been on it about 3 years now and never had a problem Reply
I take Metformin three times a day with my Humalog injection. It does give me wind sometimes. I have got used to it. I find it quite amusing. I just let it go. Better to have medication that works. Than worrying about what other people think!
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I have been on metformin since 2005. I have never experienced any significant side effects. It work well for me. Reply
I do 19 units of Lantus, and 1000 mg of Metformin. I tried switching from Lantus in the morning and Metformin at night to the opposite, and the bloat decreased. I'm hypothyroid though, so I'm still constipated all the time, never have diarrhea, but now less stomach upset and bloat with the Metformin in the morning.... Reply
I am on 65 units of Lantus each morning. Reply
I take an OTC from Douglas Pharmaceuticals (I actually get it from my chiropractor) called Amino-Mag. It is 200mg of magnesium as magnesium amino acid chelate. (Think of Milk of Magnesia.) It keeps me regular with no laxative side effects. One tablet daily for me (6 for my husband) and I go daily and no diarrhea-like rushes, no cramping, nausea, non of that. It's available, for less, online from Amazon et al, but this is a small town and we shop locally whenever possible. Good luck! Reply
Hi Kay, thanks for letting everyone know what has helped you! I just want to remind users to check with your doctor before starting any type of supplement. Reply
I take Metformin with Ranitidine and my hearth burn is gone Reply
Thank you all for sharing from your experiences. No doubt that side-effects are a huge pitfall with metformin treatment, although remember that numerous studies have shown metformin to significantly reduce the incidence of diabetic complications and death. So hang in there with treatment and consult with your physician regarding possible treatments or behavioral changes which may relieve these side effects. Reply
I m taking combined one tablet (half at morning & half at evening before meal) of Glimepiride 1mg + Metformin 500mg and having no problem. Is it good combined medcine ? Reply
interested in how you take the three ingredients before or after meals? How much of each one do you take and do you get high sugar levels? Reply
Hi, thanks for your comment. If you're having no problems that's great! If you have questions whether it's the best combination for you, it is best to consult with your doctor. Reply
Currently I am not on any med's but have been handling my diabetes naturally with cinnamon, chromium & bannaba leaf extract and have been doing quite well. I have heard to many horror stories about the side effects of med's and I do not want to go down that path right now. Reply
Hello mickey was wondering how and where you buy this? Reply
Great for him. I am afraid my has gone to far for just these three things. I do take cinnamon every day.. Would it help or harm me if I took chromium and bannaba leaf extract?
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Hi Joan and Karen, it's important to always discuss any supplement use with your doctor before starting. They can help you determine what is safe for you. Thanks! Reply
sorry, this is barb again. this reply is for Mickey Reply
Where do I purchase that Mickey?
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When you say 'Metformin', are you referring to the plain medication? When I first started taking Metformin I had horrific side effects, but persevered because the doctor said it would pass. Well it didn't, and eventually I went back and said I would literally rather die than continue. Then he told me about extended release - 'Glucophage' - and the symptoms were reduced to a manageable level. What amazed me was that years later (after switching countries) I was put onto the local version - 'Diabex' - and the symptoms disappeared. So it seems there are lots of options within the 'Metformin' medication. Reply
I have taken Glucophage and it did not help. Reply
Hi Ruth, thanks for your input! The study was assessing normal metformin, but your comment on different versions is very interesting! Reply
I thought Diabex and Metaformin were the same. I am inder the ompression that Metaformin is the generic name for Diabex. Reply
Metaformin is an ingredient in Diabex. Reply
I have a similar story of being switchedto Metformin ER,At first it was ok but no w after nine months, the diarrhea has again become dibilitating. I hate to leave home. Reply
woe im so glad to read that im not a freak ive been through everything all of you i just stoped metformin too aka gluephage . im on glumetza hydrocloride and its exspensive for 60 pills its 6500 a month i have ins and i get it at walgreens and pay 5$ for now but i dont know what it will be after the first of the year. i have all the side affect plus i have to stay away from dyes i had surgery in 2000 and lost part of my digestion system cause of apenex poped and set up poision. i also have thyroid, ibsd, slow digestion, fatty liver, spinal stinois, diebetes, plus fighting depression. when i read that the dr wont listen ive had them tell me its in your head and you just need to loose weight. how can you do this when the meds dont work and your sick? Reply
I started out on metformin 500 mg twice daily. took almost a year to get adjusted to the medication, then after diahrrhea and stomach problems becoming chronic, I was changed to glipizide and linagliptin. sugars soared to over 200s so 6 months ago I was put on 30 mg pioglitton,am, 10 mg glipizide am, saxogliptin am, and 5 mg glipizide pm. now im constantly bottoming out during the early mornings sometimes to 54, and have swelling in my feet and hands most evenings, went from 150 lbs to 189 ;bs and cannot seem to get this weight off. I just turned 60, and in may I will be seeing a dr to try to change meds. im miserable, having side effects getting worse by the day and depressed now.
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i have taken 3 years twice a day metformin 850 without experiencing side effects in order
to futher reduce my glucose level i tried janumet which led to diarhea,i continued for 3 days but could not get used to it and returned to metformin,my endocrinologist prescribed now to me trajenta duo consisting of 2.5mg linagliptin+850mg metfomin,sofar no side effect we hope that my HbAc1 will be reduced to 7 or lower Reply
I have been taking Metformin for years and have never any of the side effects that the folks here are describing. I take the max which is 1000 mg 2x daily, one in the morning and one in the evening, along with Novolin 70/30. Reply
I, too, take 1000mg slow release Metformin twice/day, along with 10mg Glipizide. I don't feel like my glucose levels are controlled, and never seem to be below 150s unless I simply do not eat. I have less diarhea with the slow release, but still have episodes periodically, especially if I eat a high carbohydrate meal. I find a diet high in protein helps to keep me from getting hungry, but snacking on nuts results in a high calorie diet. Reply
I also take 1000 mg metformin twice daily with 45 units insulin twice daily. I still have a lot of high readings but when I was losing weight by re as dings were kind of low. I think everyone is different. I have had diabetes almost twenty years and it was controlled for a long time. Gradually it gets worse. It's harder to control. Good luck to all. Reply
I was on metformin and glicklizide both was not working had very high blood sugar levels they stopped both and put me on insulin which is working much better Reply
How do you cope with the insulin. I am trying to get my weight off (gained 17 kilos after stopping smoking), slowly going, but my dr wants me to go on insulin and I have heard that I will start to put weight on again. Reply
Once you are on insulin you need to follow a low carbohydrate diet, which not all doctors will tell you.
If you have a lot of carbohydrate, and your body does not use it all, the insulin will convert it to fat Reply
Hi, I inject insulin 4 times a day plus injecting Victoza, Once in the morning, I have been using Victoza for about 18 months. I have lost about 3 kilos, no side effects. I have excellent control. I pay $175 per fortnight, the cost is the only draw back. I do not drink or smoke, so I do not mind paying the money. Originally I started on metformin, had horrible side effects.
Anne Reply
Anne I took victoza for one month and ended up in hospital with kidney failure and had to have one lot of dialyis I thought I was going to die Reply
I am sorry to hear what happened to you. For me it has been terrific. You are the only other person I know that has used Victoza
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I have been told by the kidney dr never to take Victoria again. And when I looked up the things that can happen to you when you take it It scared me very much. As I was told it only affects the stomach. Ie food passing through very slowly and having to eat very small and often Reply
I am sorry to hear what happened to you. For me it has been terrific. You are the only other person I know that has used Victoza
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I have tried Victosa twice, it was great for weight loss as I couldn't hold any thing down even water. I tried for 3 weeks and it never got any better. I was also taking Metformin 1000mg per day. I took Metformin for over 10 years. I did not have the gastrointestinal problems, but if I took more then 1000mg my kidney numbers would go up (creatine). My doctor just took me off of Metformin because creatine levels went up to 1.5 . Now I am just on Invokana 300mg and 70 units of insulin twice a day. I was also told I am now a type 1 diabetic. I am hoping that works for a while as in my opinion I just keep getting worse. I was diagnosed 15 years ago. I know 140 units of insulin a day is a lot but I am losing weight now and have been for the past 9 months, about 15lbs so far. Reply
I have had pancreatitis directly due to victoza Reply
I am on Gliclazide Mr 30 mg i had a heart attack 5 year ago . any advice ? dose this medication effect my heart ? Reply
I was on Janumet and an extra 500mg of Metformin, had terrible stomach cramps and diarrhea Reply
I stopped taking Metformin altogether due to the horrible side effects I suffered with this horrible drug. I have since been put on Insulin Humous M3 injections 80 units in a morning and also 80 units at night. My blood sugar levels are still not under control, and feel exercise would help to get my weight to somewhat normality. However having half a lung removed (lung Cancer) my breathing capacity is so impaired I am unable to walk even a snails pace for more than 50 yards, approximately. I must at this point apologise for my spelling and grammar as due to a mild stroke, i'm afraid it has badly effected my short-term memory.... I have also stopped taking my nightly statins as all the bad publicity about statins scared me half to death. Sorry for complaining about my very sad life, i appreciate there must be thousands if not millions of people have Diabetes ( maybe without knowing)..if you have the symptoms, get it checked out by your GP asap, as early diagnosis may be beneficial to your long term health....When i was first diagnosed i was told i could live as near to a normal life as possible, I very much disagree with this statement.......the only relief is death i think.
Thank you for reading Reply
I have COPD with all the associated ailments. Exercise is out of the question for me. Diabeties, I am on Glicide and other pills for different ailments, they have tried 3 or 4 times to put me on Statins, but I also do not trust these pills and for all the difference they make - I believe 1% - do not consider it a good risk. My biggest problem is now trying to get to see my doc to get follow ups after an exacerbation or the like. I have several other things like under active thyroid, anaemia etc etc. as I said I have questions on these but can no longer get to my doc as they have joined up two surgeries together. My doc now has 2500 patients! Oh we'll fight the good fight, we are experts on this now Reply
Hi moonraker50, thank you for sharing your story with us, it is very brave of you. We would urge you to maintain hope, and lean on your family and friends during these trying times. Reply
Thank you very much for your concern Sarah xx Reply
I take metformin for diabetes and an array of numerous medication for neuropathy, arthritis, bilateral carpal and cubital syndrome and gout. So I am not sure what side effects are due to which med since a number of them can have the same effect. Reply
Can anyone advise what the carrier is in Lantus...someone told me it is glycol which like anti-freeze...could this explain chemical smell in my sweat? thanks.
I take 42-44 units of Lantus at night and Novomix 30 btwn 4-12 units depending on carbs before meals.
thanks
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Good question I have the same problem Reply
There is a relatively new product on the market called Byetta (google it). It is a pen injection, does have side effects though but helps you to lose weight not gain it. Reply
Byetta made me so sick I couldn't take it for longer than a week, so side-effects or not depend on the person. Reply
please ALWAYS MENTION BOTH BRANDNAME AND NAME OF THE ACTIVE PRINCIPLE OF THE MEDICINE USED OTHERWISE MOST COMMENTS/COMPARISONS ARE NOT MEANINGFUL
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Hi kolynos, thank you for your suggestion which we will take into account going forward! Please continue to let us know if you have suggestions, so that we can continue to improve the experience for our users! Reply
Hi Blue Fish, thanks for your question! Unfortunately we are not aware of any evidence that confirms your statement or rules it out. I am sorry I cannot be of some more help to you on this topic! Reply
My medicade end with the month of June. My disability came in so I now make to much for medicade but not enough to qualify for subsidies. Any ideas on how I can manage diabetes, high cholesterol, neuropathy, sleep apnea, arthritis and gout without meds or expensive alternatives? Reply
Hi Micar, These are topics that you should discuss with your doctor. They will be able to direct you towards any possible generic or less expensive options for the treatments you are already using. Best of luck! Reply
I'm a little worried about my actual treatment.
Breakfast time: 1 Januvia + 2 Apo-Glyburide
Lunch time: 1 Metformin
Dinner time: 1 Metformin + 2 Apo-Glyburide
The figures I'm getting from my glucometer are OK, but don't you it is too much medication?
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Hi Elsy, In diabetes the most important thing is to make sure that your blood glucose readings remain good. If you are worried about the type or amount of medication you are taking, you should talk to your doctor to see if there are possibly any lifestyle modifications you could make to reduce your dependency on medications. Please note, though, that Medivizor does not offer nor substitute medical advice or diagnosis. Medivizor does not practice or provide medical services. While we hope you benefit from the information and services we do provide, be aware that you are doing so at your sole discretion. Best of luck!
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In Feb this year I went Vegan as I read that it can help with my diabetes and arthritis. It works for me, I take very few pain killers now and along with Metformin I find my blood sugars are more within normal range and improving. I only miss animal products on very rare occasions now. Reply
I was taking metformin for a year and no side effects. My dr changed me to janumet and my stomache was killing me. Wants me to take the januvia without the metformin. We'll see what happens. Reply
I take metformin 500grm twice a day but when I take it on a morning within an hour I just feel totally washed out and end up sleeping for two hours is this normal Reply
Yea that's how I feel could sleep for ever jules Reply
the meds im on make me sleep a lot some times im up all night because I cant sleep from muscel spasums it hurts a lot some times after I sddth it I fill like some one punched me
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i take in the morning 46 unis Lantus Solastar Insulin . plus 2 other tablets for high BP .Heart Problems ,Inflammations . Numbness in my feet. Actonel E.C combi. at night 41 units Insulin .1ooo, metformin 40 mg APO.At0rvastain my blood sugar is unstable ,bu blood pressure is out of control , which is a bit worrying Reply
I took Metformin while in hospital for just under a week and it resulted in diarrhea and vomiting 24/7. They had to take me off as I couldn't keep anything in, including my meds.
I now take Janufia and seem to tolerate it. Reply
THAT HAPPENED TO ME. DEPLETED MY B12 THEY WERE COMING OUT WHOLE Reply
I forgot to mention that I take Lantus Insulin at night....along with numerous other meds for other issues, My sugars are finally coming under control. Reply
So many comments are full of doom and gloom. I am so thankful that, even if I don't understand why, my God is in control and nothing happens to me without His knowledge and control Reply
I can't take Metformin as it gives me really bad diarrhoea and stomach cramps. I changed my doctor because the one I was going to was not really listening to me and wanted to put me on insulin injections without even trying anything else. I am now taking a combination of Forxiga tablets and Diamicron tablets and this is working well. No nasty side effects and I lost some weight in the first few months of taking it. I am so glad I changed to a Doctor who actually listened to me! Reply
I take 500 MG. metformin twice a day. Always hungry! Reply
I take metformin 500gr twice a day along with a lot of other medication
my sugars are all over the place Reply
I take BP. med and diuretic. Really feel hungry even one hour after meal. Breakfast one bun with half teaspoon jam, sprinkle of cinnamon, small piece of cheddar cheese, slice of tomato and 2 cups of coffee with a 1% milk. Total of 3 carb choices. Allowed 3 - 4 carb choices per meal. How do the rest if you judge what to eat?
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Of course with that 500mgm of metformin twice a day Reply
I manage 2-3 carbs per meal. Was told 3-4 Reply
I find that including a good protein at breakfast helps to even things out better. Reply
I'm on Paleo Diet no problems with weight and high sugars my long term is results are 6.1 very happy Reply
What is this Paleo diet, and where did you find it. Reply
I only wish I could take anouther drug then metformin I am always in pain I always get muscel spasem it hurts for along time it affects my walking standing pivoting benting I'm so done with these meds I'm on I'm ready to throw all them in the trash
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I was told that the Statin drugs for cholesterol can cause muscle cramps and spasm and that Metformin would not affect me that way. Have no problem with thisMetformin. ☺ Reply
Talk to your MD he can try you on something else Reply
I take 2000mg of Metformin a and 70 units of Lantus daily. Luckily, with no side effects at all. Reply
I take 1000th of metformin 2x a day.
I get a small bout of diarrhea after my first poop. Then I poop out the metf or mine pills.
What causes this Reply
interested in Glumetza and it's effects on Kidney disease, if any? Reply
I take 500mg of Metformin and I do have side effect of flatulence once in a while and I have no problem with it.
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I know that T2DM has great effect on Penis erection. Is there medication for that? Thanks Reply
Hi Bill, there are multiple medications that can help with erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). It is also important to keep your blood glucose levels under control, as that can have an effect. You should speak with your doctor about what medications might be safe and effective for you. Thanks for your question! Reply
I have been on Metformin over ten years, and even with diet changes and exercise, I still ended up on Insulin. I have maintained my weight, which in my option is luck, so many people gain weight from taking it. After ten long years, I started having bowel problems, to the point where I had no control and messed all over myself, and my bed during the night. I even went to a specialist to find out what was causing it, they had no clue. So I started doing some research, and pretty much figured out it was the Metformin. I stopped taking it but without any changes, so I did some more research and found that the Gabpabinine for Nuropthy was also a factor, so I quite taking that also, and now I am back to having a normal bowel movement. Reply
Very interesting and helpful. I was on Glucophage ten years ago and developed severe pancreatitis, ended up in hospital for 2 weeks. Put on Glyburide, low dose, to take as needed. I am now on a paleo diet and no pills. Doing better for an 81 year old female. Reply
yes I guess so Reply
good on you mary
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I am on Byetta 10mcg/dose twice a day, Gliclazide MR 30 mg and Glycon 500mg 2 pills twicw a day and one at bedtime. I still cant get my morning readings below 10. I am also getting nauseated from the byetta / glycon combination. What do you recommend? Reply
Can someone explain to me why, now that my pancreas isn't working well anymore to process sugar, I am told to eat more carbs(sugars) than I did before I got T2DM? To me this doesn't make a lot of sense! Reply
I am a bit concerned about all the different side effects people seem to suffer from but quite frankly I don't put down any proper side effects I am comfortable with my metformin I was for a time on Gliclazide at the same time but no side effects then ether apart for a bit of incontinence I feel I don't have any other problems and I keep my eye on my sugar levels being truthful I don't take sugar in tea or coffee and I don't eat chocolate or any other sweets no biscuits and only once in a while so I eat gateau or anything like that but still my sugar levels can be up in the teens why Reply
Hi Izzy, it may be that you need to add another form of medication to help control your blood sugar levels. While changes to diet and metformin can be a big help in controlling diabetes, other treatments are often needed as well. Further changes to your diet may also help - a nutritionist could help you to determine the best diet for you. Please discuss your concerns with your doctor! They'll want to know if you are experiencing high blood sugar. Best of luck! Reply
I am a bit concerned about all the different side effects people seem to suffer from but quite frankly I don't put down any proper side effects I am comfortable with my metformin I was for a time on Gliclazide at the same time but no side effects then ether apart for a bit of incontinence I feel I don't have any other problems and I keep my eye on my sugar levels being truthful I don't take sugar in tea or coffee and I don't eat chocolate or any other sweets no biscuits and only once in a while so I eat gateau or anything like that but still my sugar levels can be up in the teens why Reply
I take 1000 mgs. of metformin 2x a day. I inject 35 units of Novolog (not the mix) before meals. I also inject 80 units of Lantus at bedtime. And one Junivia a day. Just had bloodwork done and A1C was 11.3! Doctor had me try Victoza and Byurdene. Both made me so nauseated I had to quit taking them. Sometimes I just want to quit all of it and see what happens! Reply
Hi Mary, please don't give up on any of your medication, especially without discussing it with your doctor! It can be a frustrating process finding the treatments that work best, but figuring out how to control those blood glucose levels is important to avoid future complications. Please keep talking with your doctor about your frustrations, and, if you haven't already, maybe talk with a nutritionist to see if there are any further changes you could make to your diet to help out. Best of luck! Reply
I take humolog, lantus, glimipride. It helps control diabetes. Metformin was horrible for me. Diabetes has caused nerve damage because I didn't keep it well controlled. I take medicine to control the symptoms. Keep your head up. Work closely with your doctor to find what works best for you. Reply
I was like that at the start but I started eating better and stopped eating white bread and more fruit and vegetables and I'm not as bad as I was I have a day hear and there not every day like my dad. Reply
I had a stroke cause by actos the doctor called a hot stoke. Reply
I have been taking Janumet for over 10 years and have had minimal side effects. However pharmacare has for some reason stopped coverage of this medication. So I've been asked to switch to Jentaduento which did not agree with me at all .I had severe bowel issues and decided to discontinue it as it is very inconvenient . I plan to go back to just glucophage and see if works out with my blood sugar levels. I've been given other suggestions buy my physican but shy away mainly due to the bowel inconveniences besides the side effects. Any suggestions Reply
keep trying sometimes we have to be prestint and also keep a log of systoms what you eat and how your blood sugar is and what you are doing for systoms, hang in there. Reply
One thing I found is that some of the other meds I took reacted with the metformin. After looking it up on-line, I found the Alpha and Beta blockers increased the metformin's action. I had to reduce my metformin dosage by 50% because of the bowel problems. Reply
I am newly diagnosed with type 2 and was told to take 500 mg metformine start with one a day for a week , then 2 a day for the following week then 3 a day afterwards . I got very ill with the 3rd pill and now have severe lower back pain wondering if this is a side effect Reply
After reducing my metformin 50% as noted above, the bowel problem reduced as well but did still happen. What I was taking was Metformin HCL which, most likely is what most everyone is taking. after talking with my doctor and my pharmacist, I decided to change to Metformin HCL ER (extended release). Took my first dose this AM so no new indicators yet. Will report after a week or so. Reply
I have been taking 2000 mg Metformin for years and had gotten up to 90 units of Lantus. I was sick this summer (diagnosed with gastroparesis). I've lost 50 pounds and have reduced the Lantus from 90 to 10 units. I, too, have the bowel and gas issues but never thought about side effects of Metformin. Figured it was the gastroparesis. Miserable nonetheless. Hard to go anywhere without taking Imodium just in case. Hate that my life is controlled by these issues. Reply
i just wish that we all can get our answers but its a crap shoot and you have to find that dr who cares and is willing to keep at it lol Reply
since i became a diabetic i have had problems with my lungs and kidneys is this because of the tablets i am taking and also i have dizziness with it i have also got cellulitus and my legs flare up alot is this to do with being a diabetic Reply
as a precautionary tale a lot of insulins,apart from metformin,can lay down fat,as a side effect,if care is not taken over weight control,more weight,can lead to more insulin,needed,that is why,sometimes the likes of various tablet medications,and victoza,can leave you feeling bloated,but its purpose is to help you lose weight,resulting in less insulin Reply
WOW! I'm happy I found this site. I too, had issues with Metformin and no longer take it. I was told that Glucophage is better than Metformin, but my Doctor won't prescribe it because he's worried about side effects. I would love to change Doctors but we can't in Canada. Once you have a GP he's yours for life. We also tried Forixa, which was beginning to lower my blood sugar to an acceptable level, when I was told to stop taking it due to its propensity to cause Ketoacidosis when taken in combination with insulin, which I believe was happening already.
I'm actually happy to see that these problems are not mine alone. I'll keep checking in on this blog to see if anyone has discovered a "break through" med.
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im so tired of the uos and downs of metformain got glutemeza thought it wasnt metformain so i investagated its higher dosage and it has hydrocloride i wonder if that is what they think is antifreeze, im having to lay off till monday to see if the systoms get better and to hand in blood sheet the more i read the moer light goes off thankyou all for sharing its been a God send
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I,m taking diabeta twice a day, janumet twice a day and 1invokana a day, can someone tell me if this is a dangerous mix and does anyone have any other medication in mind. I'm really afraid with all these meds, no terrible side effects though. Reply
It seems so arbitrary. Metformin gave me diarrhea, Victoza had me lower my sugar lvels and lose a lot of weight but gave me pancreatitis. I now take glicazide (Diamicron) and Forxiga along with insulin and my doctor has no concerns as expressed above. The Victoza was friggin awesome. Reply
None of the forgoing has anything to do with my question as to what I can look forward to in terms of research and/or treatments for gastroparesis. Reply
WELL I WAS ON GLIPAZIDE,METFORMIN,JUNIVIA,ACTOS,,,,,,,ALL AT THE SAME TIME,FOR OVER A YEAR.PROBABLY GUESS WHATS HAPPENED TO MY KIDNEYS..GOTA BE PUT ON TRANSPLANT REGISTER Reply
Now my average blood sugar test is 6.1 % . It was 8% one year ago. Iam taking metformin 2000mg daily plus 60 mg of diamicron. I walk about 45 min daily at the evening . Every day I drink Apple cider vinegar 2 table spoon every day sometimes with asmall spoon of cinnamon. Thank God for this result. Reply
For those of us with a diarrhea problem taking metformin, ask your doctor to prescribe Metformin ER which is a slow release form of Metformin. It made a big difference with me. Reply
I was on Janumet and it did keep my glucose in normal levels. My doctor took me off of that because it was destroying my kidneys. Reply