Metformin stomach troubles

[loubieloo4]

Hi All,

I am a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic and was put on metformin last week.

Within half an hour of taking the tablets (morning and evening) I get very loose stools, and have been feeling sick most of the day in between since.

I will try and book an appointment with the diabetic nurse next week. I did read that it could be a side effect. Will it just take a while for my system to get used to it, does anybody have any ideas to help in the meantime?

Sorry to hear your diagnosis of Type II diabetics.

The NHS is still way behind on Type II. Have a look at https://www.diabetes.co.uk who support the low carb approach. Keep your blood sugars low so no need for metformin and the associated digestive issues.

http://www.diabetes-book.com

My DH has used the low carb approach and is no longer considered Type II. All the best.

Ask to swap to modified release ones. I had stomach pains until I changed over and seem to be okay now x

Yeah. I switched to sukrin as it's supposed to be easier on the bowel. 1 year later I'm still dashing to the loo with barely any warning. I'm also doing low carb so at least I've lost 5 kilos.

*Sukarto.

What dose are you taking? Usually you start on one a day, then gradually increase the dose over a number of weeks and that can help reduce the side effects. In most people it will settle down after a few weeks.

I'm taking 500mg twice a day. I do have a lot of stress going on, dh(38) has stage 4 bowel cancer with a terminal prognosis so my diet is all over the place.

I'm on metformin - it was hard at first, but it settled down after a week or so. I'd carry on till your nurse appt if you can, to see if it settles, but it depends how much it''s interrupting your life, I guess.

Yes ask for SR (slow release) version. For some reason they dont use this first

It's likely top just settle on its own

I was put on this a few days ago, same dosage as you and felt sick as a pig for the first 48 hours and now I’m right as rain so it can clear up, I know the nurse told me to expect it and stick with it and if it continued they would review the meds but I’m quite content now! It was a miserable start though so I feel really sorry for you having to go through it!!! I hope you too get better though!!!