Does anyone have any tips for dealing with the side effects of Metformin?
912720
Here's a little info about metformin that might help. I also recommend visiting http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhpcos. It's a great place to ask all your PCOS questions. Good luck and hope this info helps. \n\n*Metformin is neither a weight loss nor a fertility medication.  It helps our body use glucose/insulin better.  In turn, it helps our body balance its hormones.  Some of the "happy" side effects can be weight loss, regular periods, and ovulation.  It can also potentially help with our other symptoms.  It is recommended that PCOSers take 1500mg to 2550 mg of Met/Gluc daily (after building up).  \n\n*****It can take up to 6 months on the right dosage to see any effects.*****\n\n*If you are taking the Extended Release version of Metformin/Glucophage, then you should be taking all of your pills at the same time each day.  Start the dosage out slowly, like one pill for a week or two and then add another one for a week or two until you are up to your prescribed dosage.  They recommend taking it with dinner.  What I, personally, have found is that I am better off taking it before bed.  But everyone is different!  (side note: some who are on the extended release have found that it works better for them to spread the dose throughout the day either because they don’t get the side effects or it help with their symptoms better.  If you are not getting good results after the six months on the full dose with the extended release you might want to try this)\n\n*If you are on the regular version of Metformin/Glucophage, you should be spacing your pills out through your day.  Start the dosage out slowly, like one pill for a week or two and then add another one for a week or two until you are up to your prescribed dosage.  Start taking your first pill at night.  Your second pill in the morning.  Your third pill in the afternoon.  Only up the dose if you are doing well.  It can take some time for your body to adjust to the medication.  Let it:)  *If you still can't handle the med after everything here, talk to your doctor about either switching to the Extended Release versions or another IR drug like Avandia.\n\n*Drink a ton of water!!!  About half your weight in ounces.  I weigh 170 pounds, so I should drink 85 ounces of water daily.  Your body needs to be able to clean itself and water helps it!\n\n*Try to eat good carbs rather than bad carbs (i.e. whole grains rather than white flour products).  Try to eat some protein with your carbs.  It does help your body use glucose/insulin better.  If this isn't enough, try lowering your carb intake.\n\n*Snack inbetween meals.  Don’t let yourself get too hungry.  Eat something about every 3 hours.\n\n*Take your pills with a meal and make sure you hve enough protein. Some do great making sure they have milk as well.  Milk has actually been proven to help with IR.\n\n*Think about the timing of when you take your medicing.  Try just before you eat, during, or after.  Sometimes that can make all the difference.\n\n*Fish oil…omega 3 and 6.\n\n*Milk Thistle
232580
I have all the conditions you have.  I have been married/together with my husband and had 11 years of unprotected sex, and never did get pregnant.  \n\nThey told me that Metformin (Glucophage) could help reverse some of the damage that we 'insulin resistant' PCOS patients are.  I have started having periods again, although still highly irregular, but at least now I am having them now and again.  \n\nI'm nearly 41 and started having intermittent periods at abo0ut 38.  /shrug\n\nThey told me Clomid would also need to be taken by me, if I had ever wished to conceive.  I decided against having children with the 'health issues' I already had, and then a heart attack at 36 -- so, that ended my choice for a child, and while I am sad about it, I know for sure that I made the right choice for me.  \n\nI wish you the best, and if you wish to have a baby, please do this earlier than later as the older you get the harder it becomes.  Before 30 for sure!  Good Luck and I wish you the best :)
763798
I'm a RN who has taught Nursing for over 20 years and who has taught Diabetes Management at a large local hospital.  First of all I congratulate you for your willingness to help your stepmom with her hyperglycemia problem.  She has type 2 diabetes or previously known as adult onset diabetes.  Type 2 diabetics have insulin resistance.  Although their pancreas does produce some insulin their body is not able to properly utilize the insulin to allow glucose to get into their cells for fuel and energy.  As a result they become very tired and lethargic,  are thirsty and hungry often, and have to get rid of urine frequently.  Other symptoms may include blurred vision, dizziness, inability to concentrate,  headaches, yeast infections, leg pain, etc. Diabetes Type 2 is treated by diet, exercise, and medication.  Thank you for listing the medications your stepmom is on:  Metformin 500 mg qid and Glipizide 10 mg bid.  Her blood sugars are too high and the medication is no longer working efficiently for her.  As a result she is experiencing hyperglycemia or too high blood sugars.  In my professional opinion she now needs to be seen by a Diabetologist who can evaluate her thoroughly and probably would alter her medication and diet. A Diabetologist is an Endocrinologist who specializes in Diabetes.  You can find one by phoning your local hospital and requesting the names and phone numbers of Diabetologists that they have on their medical staff.  I'm pleased to hear that you have been trying to get her to work out with you.  That is a great start!  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a Diabetologist treating your stepmom as quickly as possible so that her poor sugar control can be turned around.  The long term effects of uncontrolled Diabetes can result in neuropathy, blindness, foot amputation, severe cardiac disease and kidney disease.  What is done for her now or not done for her could have lasting effects long term.  To look up related sites on the web look up type 2 diabetes management.  I wish your stepmom God's blessings and healing touch.  Good luck to you.
718509
Have you seen an Endocrinologist and Dietitian yet or just your General Practitioner?\n\nPlease don't go on any of those fad diets they can do more harm than good.  You really are going to have to do a overhaul on your lifestyle.  First of all you need to be checking you glucose levels regularly.  If before a meal your levels are high .. do not eat .. you will have to do something aerobic to break down the sugars .. walking should do the trick.  Just make healthy choices and keep you meals small.  Small meals are going to be key in maintaining tight control.  You can still eat fruits and small amount of bread and starches you just have to do it in moderation.  Please get with a dietitian as soon as possible they will get you on your way.
1086547
watch your intake of sweets...remember carbs break down to sugar in your body. Being overweight really contributes to diabetes. You need to get plenty of exercise...as this burns glucose in your body (sugar)....I was diabetic...I lost 60 lbs....and I no longer have it...I took a course in this...the dietician said sugar...is sugar...is sugar...your body doesnt know the difference....if you are eating a bowl of jello..or 3 slices of bread....it breaks down in your body as sugar...one tip I learned...if you eat something sweet...have some protein with it...it like counteracts it...it just slows the sugar breakdown....I always had a little protein in the morning...it just made me feel better for the day. A doughnut with a glass of orangejuice, would be the worst thing you could eat for breakfast. Your sugar would soar...the slam you down in a short period of time...then you feel tired or sleepy....I know...I've been there. Always remain active...that will ensure you to keep your bloodsugar more stable....the best foods you eat are legumes..(beans)...they help to stabilize blood sugar, for longer periods of time.
293502
http://www.drugs.com/insulin.html\n\nWhat are the possible side effects of insulin aspart? \n •  Rarely, people have allergic reactions to insulin. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives). \n •  The side effects of insulin therapy result mostly from blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low. You should be familiar with the symptoms of both high and low blood sugar levels and know how to treat both conditions. Also, be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency. \n •  Low blood sugar may occur when too much insulin is used; when meals are missed or delayed; if you exercise more than usual; during illness, especially with vomiting or diarrhea; if you take other medications; after drinking alcohol; and in other situations. \n •  Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, has the following symptoms: shaking, headache, cold sweats, pale, cool skin, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. \n •  Keep sugary candy; fruit juice; or glucose tablets on hand to treat episodes of low blood sugar. \n •  Increased blood sugar may occur if not enough insulin is used, if you eat significantly more food then usual, if you exercise less than usual, if you take other medications, if you have a fever or other illness, and in other situations. \n •  Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, has the following symptoms: increased thirst, increased hunger, and increased urination. \n •  Monitor your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin doses if your blood sugar levels are too high. \n •  Side effects may also occur at the site of injection. If the area becomes thickened, hard, or pitted, talk to your doctor before injecting at that site again. \n •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. \n\n\n\n\nWhat other drugs will affect insulin aspart? \n •  Many drugs can interact with insulin or affect blood sugar levels. Do not take any other medicines, including prescription products or over-the-counter medicines or supplements, without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist during treatment with insulin.
1027440
Add Glucosamine to your diet supplements. I also had pain, mainly in my legs. I started taking Glucosamine and after about two weeks, I noticed that the pain went away completely.\n\nIt was a Godsend.\n\nIt's also cheap. There are several brands, some with Condroitend as well. But it's the Glucosamine that does the trick for you.
295136
I'm not diabetic but I have friend who is. She is 43 and weight has been an issue with her also. Her doctor put her on a new drug specifically for diabetics and weight loss. I do not know what the name of the drug is but perhaps your doctor does. It's another injection though (every time you eat) and it may cause nausea a vomiting, but she said that those symptoms disappear with continued use. Good luck!
236825
weight gain.\nTalk to a personal trainer for tips.\nOtherwise there are no bad side effects.
638033
I have tried several over the past few years and none have really worked.  Rigt now im on topamax (which is normally used for migranes) but is used in bipoloar also, along with a small dose of paxil.  The side effects were really bad the first two weeks(bad headaches, ringing in the ears, tingling in the tips of fingers and toes, no soda at all - any carbonated beverages taste like blood, but have since gone away, (except for the carbonation thing) and I actually do feel pretty good now.  And topamax, is also used as a weight loss pill too!! BONUS!!  (they say topamax is similar to depakote without the weight gain)
287102
check out side effects \nprobably heartburn
458603
Hi,\nI'm a Pharmacist. Congratulations on your intentions for weight loss! Loosing weight is one of the key steps to decreasing your risk of diabetic complications. Even though you don't seem to be successful with diet and exercise yet, don't give up!\nThere is also pharmacological help out there. I'm not sure of your diabetes medications, but there are some medications that will put on weight, and others that will help you loose weight, whilst controlling your sugar levels. Discuss this concern with your doctor, because you may benefit from changing medications. For example, drugs from the sulfonylurea class (eg Diamicron) will increase weight, whilst metformin (Diabex) decreases weight.\nYou can also ask your doctor about medications that help you loose weight. These medications are usually only reserved for patients who are obese or have a co-morbidity (like diabetes.) Thes drugs, eg orlistat (Xenical) don't work by themselves. You must continue dieting and exercising. Think of them as a kick start in the right direction!\nHope this helps... and good luck!
877720
Patch was too week. Caps are way to go.\n\nCheck with your doctor before starting any weight loss program.\n\nAnyone who attempts to lose weight by reducing calorie consumption experiences feelings of hunger and fatigue. Hoodia diet pills attempt to reduce those feelings, making it easier to stick to a low calorie diet and therefore lose weight. As with any weight loss plan, only people who are in good health should use hoodia diet pills and they should be used in conjunction with appropriate diet and exercise. Because thirst is suppressed as well as appetite, it is important to remember to drink plenty of water. Most experts recommend eight 8 ounce glasses per day to maintain proper hydration. Other than thirst suppression, there are no known side effects associated with hoodia diet pills and they are probably a much better choice than diet pills containing stimulants.\n\nI tried 100%  Hoodia and......\nHoodia has worked for me...and with no side effects. \nCheck with your doctor before starting any weight loss program.\n\nFor all you doubters, here is the prior feedback for another Answers user who followed my advice:\n\nAsker's Rating: *****\nvery good comment i lost 2 lbs in a week\ni think i can almost get in my leather dress, i can hit the town in no time \n\n\n**** VERY IMPORTANT NOT TO GET RIPPED OFF --- \n\n#1. Be sure you are buying pure Hoodia...look for the import certificate on the website. No matter the price, if they do not display this, you really do NOT know what you are getting!\n\n#2. Be sure it is 100% Hoodia & not mixed w/other herbs, etc.!!\n\n#3. Keep in mind it stops your hunger pangs…you MUST remember to break your habit to always eat at certain times.\n\n#4. Drink a full 8oz. glass of water with it!\n\nHoodia (HOOD-ee-uh) gordonii - A genus of 10 to 20 species from southwestern Africa. \nHoodia gordonii is the stoneage wonder plant found throughout the dry arid regions of the South western African continent now on the verge of making history in the fight against obesity. It is a genus belonging to the Asclepiadaceae family which consists of approximately 20 species. Used to stop hunger, quench thirst, and provide energy among other things since prehistoric times, Hoodia gordonii was first discovered by the San tribesmen and women to get through the most difficult of times. \n\nYou can read a good article about how it works at:\n\nhttp://www.hoodia-diets.info/hoodia-diet-capsules.htm\nhttp://www.hoodia-diets.info/hoodia-gordonii-diet-use.htm\nhttp://www.hoodia-diets.info\nhttp://hoodia-research.blogspot.com\nhttp://www.medical-research-study-directory.info/san-diego-medical-research-study.htm\nhttp://www.san-diego-plastic-surgery-cosmetic-surgery-doctors.us\nhttp://www.las-vegas-nevada-lawyer-attorney-legal-injury-defense-directory.com\nhttp://www.web-site-award-winning.com/adsense-video-course.htm\nhttp://www.bail-bond-jail-directory.info\nhttp://www.lasik-surgery-san-diego.info/
47789
First of all, that's a lot of questions to answer in the small space provided here, but I will try to give you some starting points. \n\nTalking with your doctor is your best place to begin. He / she can steer you in the right direction toward meeting your health goals. \n\nAs for food.... consult with a registered dietician or nutritionist for professional advice. Some basic pointers are:\n-- Avoid high-sugar content foods.Trade out regular soft drinks for more healthy options such as water, tea (not sweetened with sugar), or diet soft drinks. \n-- Avoid high-carb foods. Carbs are often metabolized as glucose and will cause your blood sugar to rise in much the same fashion as sugary foods. Potatoes, pastas, and breads are among high-carb foods. \n-- Avoid high-fat foods, in order to reduce cholesterol. Plan out low-fat meals and avoid frying when possible. Cholesterol and diabetes go hand in hand, so reducing one (also reducing your triglycerides) will have a positive effect on the other. \n-- Avoid high-sodium foods. Try to watch your salt intake as much as possible. Sodium is a cause of high blood pressure, which is also a sister-syndrome of diabetes. \n-- Avoid alcoholic beverages. Limit your alcohol intake to the minimal. While most alcoholic mixed drinks are high in sugar content (in the mixers) and beers are high in carbs, alcohol can actually cause hypoglycemic reactions. \n\nWhen it comes to diabetic meal planning, portion control is really the main key. Limit your portion sizes and avoid over-indulging. Some sugar, carbs, fats, and salt are actually okay and are impossible to avoid, but avoid excess. \n\nThere is no set time interval at which you should eat, however it is recommended that you eat small snacks (healthy, of course) throughout the day and 3 meals a day. Being on a regular meal schedule has a major effect on your blood sugar levels so try to eat around the same time everyday. \n************************ \nUnfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes, but with proper medical control you can definitely lead a healthy and happy life. Control is the key to taming the disease. Take medication as prescribed, eat the right diet, and exercise regularly. \n\nThere are great resources around in nearly every community so take advantage of those. Join a diabetic support group in your area or solicit the services of a Certified Diabetes Educator near you. Your local health department is likely a great resource as well when it comes to diabetes. \n\nGood luck and best wishes...
391762
Hello! I am so glad I saw your post I feel your pain. I had the same problem and I have to be very careful. My seizures(not to scare you became more frequent for me ) they occurred around "that time of the month" and when I was under great deals of stress they occurred. I had to quit one job I had because of it. I also had to cut my hours back BEFORE I quit the job. I was working 10 hour days and the doctor said "no more" \n\nYou are probably hypoglycemic. I am. What I do, is I carry candy in my purse. The Bob's peppermints are excellent, they are pure sugar or carry the tubes of glucose, or the glucose pills. Don't go eating big meals. You need to eat smaller and balanced meals. Don't go eating a lot of carbs and a lot of protein. You have to balance them one neutralizes the other. The only time you should eat candy is if you need it, if you feel the symptoms of a seizure. \nPeanut butter crackers are a great snack, I find that they keep my blood sugar balanced. I usually have a few peanut butter crackers and about 4 oz of low sugar fruit juice for a quick snack. \n\nYour doctor will probably order a glucose tolerance test for you. OH PAIN THE A#$ . It is six hours long. They poke you once every hour and they make you pee in a cup at that time too. Before they draw the blood, you have to drink this really sweet bottle of pop. It tastes like orange or grape flavored carbonated corn syrup. I drank it and almost fainted which is an expected side effect sometimes. \n\nTHey are looking for diabetes, well I was found to be hypoglycemic. The doctor showed me the chart I started at 98 as fasting . It rose to 150 and dropped all the way down to 52. No wonder I was drooling all over myself . The lady at the lab made me go to another room and she had me go to sleep. \n\nYou need to follow your doctor's orders and you basically treat it the same way you do diabetes if hypoglycemia is your case. It is the same diet, you treat the seizures the same. What happens is as a hypoglycemic we produce our own insulin and we react as if we injected to much into our body. \n\nAs long as you follow the diet, don't get stressed out at least not too much and listen to your doctor, the seizures will be controlled. The doctor will properly educate you on that. If you sit and worry about whether or not it is going to happen , it will happen. BELIEVE ME> I used to be SO PARANOID. I didn't realize it, but I had talked myself into having a seizure because I was so worried about whether I was going to have one again\n\nThe big thing DON'T EVER EVERY SKIP A MEAL. Eat breakfast before you leave for work. \n\nJust make sure you are properly educated . It is no different than being a diabetic . ;)\n\nIf you need anything else let me know I will be more than happy to help you. Good luck to you. \nDon't worry about it.\n\nYour number one key....control it, don't let it control you. That was my mistake and it came from fear and worry .
699028
Try Metformin CR\n\nit helped me loose weight and is cheaper!!
487604
Unfortunately, I did, but it was a combination of symptoms that led to the diagnosis of Type II diabetes for me.\n\nMy eyesight was very blurry, I was tired, thirsty, running to the bathroom, headaches...I didn't know the effects of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) after taking Prednisone.  After complaining to my parents, they took my blood sugar.  It read 526.  Was rushed to the hospital the next morning when it read 327, and stayed that way for 4 hours afterward.\n\nMy eyesight problems scared me the most because I like to read, not to mention watching TV.  At the time I couldn't see past 10 feet; driving was a nightmare.  I didn't go blind, but I might as well have because I couldn't see too much of anything anyway.