Metformin and gestational diabetes

[wingingit1987]

I’m 31 weeks pregnant with gestational diabetes. I attempted to control it with diet, but even being extremely strict my sugars are still very high. The midwife said sometimes it simply just gets worse as pregnancy goes on. I’ve been started on modified release metformin today. What should I expect side effects wise? Thanks

@wingingit1987 My wife had GD too and was offered metformin, a lot of the women at the GD clinic suffered terrible nausea.

we refused it, it’s the first line of treatment offered as it’s cheaper.

I pushed for insulin from the get go as it’s natural and does not cross the placenta where as metformin is synthetic and does.

obviously completely your decision but wanted to share our experience as they will only prescribe insulin if you refuse metformin and not many people know that.
good luck with it x

If you’re on the modified (slow) release metformin, you’ll probably find you won’t have the troublesome digestive side-effects you get with the standard (cheaper) variety. I’m T1 but have been taking it in addition to insulin for about ten years and haven’t had any problems with it. I have heard (but can’t confirm) that it also has the effect of delaying signs of ageing….im trying to find out more about that one!

Edited to add: I had GD with both my pregnancies, first was diet controlled, second I was put straight onto insulin, tested clear at three months post partum and then became T1 just after that.

Thank you for your replies. Im hoping the side effects aren’t too rough as I have so little time to go now.

I’ve been on metformin for a good 8 weeks now and I’ve not had any side effects

I was on it with my first and didn’t have any side effects despite usually having a sensitive stomach. I built up the dose slowly at the beginning. I preferred taking pills to injections personally so was glad not to end up on insulin.

I did start developing bad heartburn around the same time but believe that was just pregnancy related rather than due to the metformin.

Thank you all. Worrying myself that I’ll end up ill but hoping the slow release helps.

I had standard Metaformin, I'd say i didn't have to run to the toilet, but didn't have to try when I got there! Only last 2-3 days like that, some again a couple of weeks later when the dose went up. That was on the pills. Otherwise, no side effects over the last few months I've been on it

I took it from 31 weeks for GD, same situation as you in that diet wasn’t enough to control BUT diet plus a very low dose of metformin got me through and I tested clear 48 hours after birth.
I did everything I could to avoid insulin, the chances of me injecting myself were zero and of allowing anyone else to do it less than zero!

I was diagnosed in both my pregnancies and unfortunately I am now diabetic 5 years on from
my first (not pregnant). I was on metformin first time around and insulin the second time around. I had no side effects on metformin whereas with insulin I had lots of hypos (low blood sugar) overnight.
It takes a lot of work to control with food and despite a good, wholesome diet I am failing but the best ways to bring it down and potentially reduce the amount of metformin you’re on would be to cut carbs right down. I rarely eat sugary food, such as cakes and biscuits but for me it’s any carb - porridge in the morning is swapped with eggs. Don’t eat pasta or rice, opt for small portions of lentils and chickpeas or beans. Follow the glucose goddess on Instagram, she suggests eating vegetables as a starter as the fibre lines your stomach before eating a heavy meal. Remember lattes and other coffees are full of lactose so the worst thing to drink in the morning on an empty stomach. Try and walk for 10 mins or more after a meal to work off some of the excess glucose! Good luck with it!

I was diagnosed with this also and I refused metformin for about 4wks I felt pressured to take it in the end. My sugars were only high as soon as I woke up before any food or decaf tea. I was told to take a walk late at night before bed which did bugger all. Check your carb intake as that produces most sugars. I didn’t have any side affects and didn’t do much to my bloods either surprise!!
I feel the test is flawed due to no one ever has that much sugar in one go then has a blood test an hour later it doesn’t make any sense!! Predicted to have a big baby and he was super tiny (he isn’t now) I also logged all my foods and snacks in a day and asked them what do I need to do. My consultant for diabetes told me he is not a dietitian just diabetic consultant, well surely there must be some understating when giving out these pills! Just bloody batshit

I desperately trying to avoid insulin- I’m already on the inhixa injections which are bad enough.

Thanks all

I took slow release Metformin for GD, and had no side effects at all, apart from a slowing down of weight gain (me, not baby!) I now take Metformin via private GP as I have ME and pre diabetes, still no adverse side effects, but plenty of good ones!

Honestly when you've been struggling to keep your sugars down, starting metformin is SUCH a relief. I'm on the standard one, so did experience a few days of illness when I increased my dose, but once it kicked in it took so much pressure off. I was able to tolerate moderate portions of things like wholemeal bread and chips again and combined with busting my bum on the walking pad every night, I've managed to get my fasting levels to under target as well. I actually feel better than I did in the second trimester and am almost 33 weeks now!

Also as another poster said above, I've not gained weight - not intentional but not a bad outcome for someone who started with a higher BMI!