What is the most common side effect of metformin?

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are some of the most common side effects people have when they first start taking metformin. These problems usually go away over time. You can reduce these effects by taking metformin with a meal.

What are the dangers of taking metformin?

Commonly reported side effects of metformin include: lactic acidosis, diarrhea, nausea, nausea and vomiting, vomiting, and flatulence. Other side effects include: asthenia, and decreased vitamin b12 serum concentrate. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

What is the best time of day to take metformin?

Metformin alone: At first, 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day taken with the morning and evening meals, or 850 mg a day taken with the morning meal. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed until your blood sugar is controlled.

How long does metformin side effects last?

Most metformin side effects are short-term, which is 2 weeks or less. See a healthcare provider if you have long-term side effects of metformin.

What is the best way to take metformin to avoid side effects?

To reduce all gastrointestinal side effects, take your Metformin with meals. If you need to take it at a time when you don't usually eat, then fit a snack in that has some protein in it. Chewing gum can help alleviate various gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and stomach pain.

Most Common Side Effects of Metformin

What drugs should not be taken with metformin?

What should your blood sugar be when on metformin?

People who don't have diabetes keep their blood sugars between 60 – 100 mg/dl overnight and before meals, and less than 140 mg/dl after meals.

Do I need to check blood sugar while taking metformin?

Home testing is typically not needed for patients taking oral medications, such as Glucophage (metformin), he says. Instead of home testing, doctors typically order a blood test, called a hemoglobin A1C test, every three to six months.

What is the benefit of taking metformin at night?

The administration of metformin, as glucophage retard, at bedtime instead of supper time may improve diabetes control by reducing morning hyperglycemia.

Does metformin make you pee more?

Conclusion: Metformin increased urinary sodium excretion by reducing phosphorylation of NCC, suggesting its role in improving hypertension.

How do you know if metformin is not working?

Can metformin make you tired?

Taking metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency if you take it for a long time. This can make you feel very tired, breathless and faint, so your doctor may check the vitamin B12 level in your blood.

What is the safest drug for type 2 diabetes?

Most experts consider metformin to be the safest medicine for type 2 diabetes because it has been used for many decades, is effective, affordable, and safe. Metformin is recommended as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Can you just stop taking metformin?

Metformin may help prevent long-term health complications from type 2 diabetes. But you may be able to stop taking it if your doctor thinks you can maintain your blood sugar without it.

Can I stop taking metformin when my sugar back to normal?

Some people are able to stop taking diabetes medication like metformin, by putting their diabetes into remission. This means that blood sugar levels are in the non-diabetes range without needing any medication.

What is a good blood sugar level for type 2 diabetes?

A normal fasting blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L). Hemoglobin A1C test – The "A1C" blood test measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. Normal values for A1C are 4 to 5.6 percent.

What is a normal blood sugar level?

A blood sugar level less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is normal. A reading of more than 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) after two hours indicates diabetes. A reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) indicates prediabetes.

What they don't want you to know about metformin?

Metformin can cause a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. People who have lactic acidosis have a buildup of a substance called lactic acid in their blood and shouldn't take metformin. This condition is very dangerous and often fatal.

How do you lower your blood sugar immediately?

When your blood sugar level gets too high — known as hyperglycemia or high blood glucose — the quickest way to reduce it is to take fast-acting insulin. Exercising is another fast, effective way to lower blood sugar.

How much will metformin lower A1C in 3 months?

Oral diabetes medications, like metformin, can reduce your A1C levels. A widely cited 2012 scientific review in Diabetes Care found that metformin reduced A1C by an average of 1.12% for people with type 2 diabetes.

When should I start my A1C for diabetes?

There is no specific A1c level that makes it necessary for you to be on medication. While an A1c of 6.5% or higher is indicative of diabetes, some people may need to start taking medication for an A1c under 6.5%. And others with an A1c over 6.5% aren't prescribed any medication.

What fruits to avoid if you are diabetic?

Dried fruit, fruit juice, and certain tropical fruits, like mangoes, tend to contain more sugar. It may be a good idea to limit portions or eat these foods less often. Some canned fruit has added sugar or is packaged in syrup.

What is the best fruit for diabetics?

What drug is better than metformin?

Insulin remains the most effective therapy to lower glucose, particularly in comparison to most oral medicines for type 2 (including metformin).