How to use METFORMIN for DIABETES including doses, side effects & more! (Glucophage / Fortamet)
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- čas přidán 23. 11. 2022
- In this video Doctor O'Donovan explains key facts you need to know about a medication called METFORMIN used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as Glucophage, Fortamet, Axpinet, Diagemet, Glucient, Metabet).
In the video we cover:
What is metformin? (0.36)
Who can and can't take it? (1.34)
How to take it (2.36)
Side effects (4.49)
Use in pregnancy (7.40)
Interactions (8.15)
Key facts
- Not everyone gets diabetes symptoms, so taking metformin may not make you feel any different. That does not mean it is not working, so keep on taking it.
- It's best to take metformin with a meal to reduce the side effects.
The most common side effects are feeling and being sick, diarrhoea, stomach ache and loss of appetite. Vitamin B12 deficiency is also a common side effect of taking metformin in higher doses or for long periods.
- Metformin does not cause weight gain, unlike some other diabetes medicines.
- If you have diabetes, you can get free prescriptions for all of your medicines, not just your diabetes ones. You'll need to have a medical exemption certificate.
Further information via NHS website:
www.nhs.uk/medicines/metformin/
Patient information leaflet:
www.medicines.org.uk/emc/prod...
#doctor #diabetes #medication #pharmacy
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Disclaimer:
The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.
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Content provided via CZcams is for general information purposes ONLY. Information videos are not produced to provide individualised medical advice. Medical education videos on Doctor O'Donovan are not a substitute for professional professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NEVER ignore professional medical advice because of something you have heard here. ALWAYS consult your doctor regarding any concerns about your condition or treatment.
I was prediabetic and the Dr wanted to put me on this. Instead I chose to follow a low carb ZERO refined sugar diet coupled with intermittent fasting. The only carbs I take on a controlled basis is from subterranean plants e.g. carrots & potatoes. It solved my insulin resistance which in turn solved my leptin resistance so now I no longer have sugar cravings and no longer over eat. Blood sugars are within healthy limits.
I’m 69, and just got diagnosed type 2 this week. Obviously I’ve been diabetic a while as my A1c is 10.1. Endocrinologist put me on Metformin and Glipizide twice a day. I take Metformin with meals. So far no side effects. I was scared to take it but the meds have taken my blood sugar way down. I’ve heard bad things about Metformin. I don’t want insulin so I’m sticking to the meds.
Ozempic will drop your A1C quickly. talk to your doctor.
My dr. wanted me to take the Metf. I didn't want to - instead through nutrition and exercise I lowered my A1C on my own. In 4 months, I'm now at 5.8 and am working to reduce to 5.0%. WTH are dr.s so quick to get their patients on drugs instead of looking at the root cause and reversing diabetes. As a patient this is so frustrating. It's like all I am is a # now and all the Dr. is is a pharmacy. Never once was I told that I can reverse the disease. I had to educate myself and figure things out on my own. WTH kind of medical system do we have now? Very frustrating!
Can you elaborate a little more, for example, and mainly:
What did you do? What was your daily routine like? Did you check your sugar first thing in the morning? Did you eat three times a day and what did you eat? What kind of activities did you do?
Next, what were your sugar readings before and what were your sugar readings after how many times did you check your sugar and what was your A1c before and what was your A1c after?
Honestly, honestly if you answer that you might be able to help a lot of people reading this, including myself. I need it. Maybe you can help me improve.
@@w0251605 I got labs done to get an update on blood work so didn't check them myself. I eat 2 meals per day and doing Intermittent fasting. I eat mainly plant based w some protein. Approx 9 cups of water daily. Stripped out sugar, processed food and all that crap; eating super clean. Little to no alcohol. Have a non sugar treat now and again. Activities: currently walking approx. 7 - 8 km every other day. A1C: Aug. '23 - 6.6; Dec. '23 - 6.1; Jan 10th ' 24 - 5.8. Being very consistent and super strict has landed where I am today. I've struggled w carb cravings all my life. When I lowered my carbs (less than 75g) the cravings went away in less than 5 days. I watched Dr. Jason Fung's videos or education/research.
What was your a1c before
"Never once was I told that I can reverse the disease", this so called Dr says if you have diabetes its for life, I think he needs to go back to school and learn more about diabetes, at least distinguish between type 1 and type 2. I know its reversable and I'm getting there, well done on your type 2 control, your doing well.
@@incubatork Good for you! Keep at it and you'll do awesome. Yes T2D is a disease that can be put into remission. With time, and work. All the best!
Very informative, thank you very much.
Thank you
Thank you so much! Your video was very helpful.
You're welcome!
Can you get sachet type in slow release form? I'm on slow release due to side affects on earlier tablets but the tablets seem huge and hard to swallow without chewing.
My doctor prescribed metformin 500 ml and I’m pre diabetic.I do not use it everyday since fasting helps me to lower my sugar.i exercise after meal and I changed my diet to pre plant based.Food portion is very important I lost weight and cut on carbs and sugar. Although I crave for sweets I choose the diabetes friendly choice.
perfect way 👍thank you for sharing your opinion. we are in the same box .
U just take when u eat? I have same problem
Thanks doc.👍
Most welcome!
Works wonders for me, no problem
How much u take?
I am taking metformin and NORETHINDRONE. It would have been nice to have more info on this and bc. I’m on CZcams because my doctor prescribed me both but gave little to no further info and I am teaching myself.
Very helpful and useful
Glad to hear that
Very useful info
Thanks a lot
thank you very much
Thank you
Me too !!! Shocking really
I know you said it wasn't all inclusive but I have IBS and it became literal AGONY to be on metformin including passing out from the pain. I think that's something to be mentioned.
Awesome information thanks ❤❤❤
My pleasure
I don't use metformin nor do I have to check my sugar level thank you and I am very grateful for that
good for you
Very informative video. My doctor wasn’t very helpful in explaining the illness ( didn’t feel sick) or what options there are in treatment. I chose initially to control diet but numbers stayed high. I then added small dosage of metformin along with diet and my numbers came down to normal ranges. It’s been a year now and my numbers are stable. I get an A1c every 6 months to monitor my glucose levels. 10:19
thank you so much for the teaching 👍👍👍👍👍👍
You are very welcome
DOC WHAT ABOUT METFORMIN XR....I VE TERIBBLE SIDE EFFECT AS MAJOR DIARHEA
Thank you very much, I am diabetic and on metformin and other anti diabetic medications. But I am struggling to control my blood sugars since I started menopause. Does menopause affect blood glucose control?
You can eventually drop all your diabetes medications if you change your diet and go low-carb low-sugar and intermittent fasting, learn more on the CZcams channel "Beat diabetes"
Very informative. Is it safe for a normal/prediabetic person? Is a doctor's prescription necessary?
Thanks - glad you found it helpful. This is what current NICE guidelines say; NICE suggest that a clinician should use clinical judgement on whether (and when) to offer metformin to support lifestyle change for people whose HbA1c or fasting plasma glucose blood test results have deteriorated if:
this has happened despite their participation in intensive lifestyle-change programmes or
they are unable to participate in an intensive lifestyle-change programme, particularly if they have a BMI greater than 35
Check renal function before starting treatment, and then twice yearly (more often if they are older or if deterioration is suspected).
Dose:
start with a low dose (for example, 500 mg once daily) and then increase gradually as tolerated, to 1500-2000 mg daily. If the person is intolerant of standard metformin consider using modified-release metformin
Duration:
prescribe metformin for 6-12 months initially. Monitor the person's fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c levels at 3-month intervals and stop the drug if no effect is seen (1).
Does Metrformin help to reduce Albumin Creatinine ratio?
I take two different blood pressure medications, candesartan and the progestogen pill 🤨
im using metformin for 27 yrs now 1000m 3x a day and thanks god i dont have problem
How old are you now?
@@chumkichatterjee7153 im 60 now
Thank you for your reply
is this medicine has no side effect?
hello, i am 30 years old. My insulin resistance is gone. In my blood test, the glucose value was 113. My father and brother are diabetic. I've been using metformin 500mg for 2 weeks, the doctor suggested diet and exercise, but I said I wanted to use this drug because my doctor suggested this to me and now I'm wondering if I'm using metformin for 1 year, will it harm my kidneys?
Will metformin help with insulin resistance for someone without diabetes?
Before food or after food or along with food should we take metformin
explain the effect5 of Metformin on ribosomes.
The urge to go to the restroom improves as you improve your diet and amount of food you eat. When you start taking it, it can be caos, after 2 months everything felt in place for me 😂
I do notice if I eat high carbs and/or high fat, ugh. But when I eat healthy I feel great
What you mean ( when you say I eat healthy) what you eat, and you call healthy?
@@nicosjazz71 simple! Cook your food, don’t buy it. Avoid fine flours in (bread, pasta, desserts, cake etc) eat more lean meat, avocado, nuts, eggs, sardines, chia, flex, lentils, beans, vegetables, be careful with fruits
my fasting blood sugar is 8.6 and my doctor give mi metformin is it ok to take metformin hoping for your rply thank u
My concern is that I am being treated for my B12 decline and I am on 4 x 500 metformin. I am still suffering from tiredness even after 6 B12 injections.
For type 2 diabetes which can be controlled with lifestyle there’s no need for metformin. Keto diet plus fasting plus exercise is enough. I brought my insulin levels under control with this. The doctor was going to put me on medication for high triglycerides without giving any of these suggestions
Been on metform for years never give me diarrhea
I have been taking 2x1000mgs of Metformin since I was 35 years old for type 2 diabetes...I never have diarrhea . However, in the last 3 or 4 years I have became often constipated. I suppose It could be from long term Metformin or, more likely, just from getting old.......I take a stool softener to fix that problem and continue taking the Metformin, in part because I may be into the longevity side effect of Metformin, as I am now 80. At any rate if the Metformin is going to kill me early....it's already too late..it helps me maintain a good A1C and to eat some things I otherwise might not have. I have regular kidney checks and no problems, B-12 level is normal...I know I took the easy way......but for me, it has worked just fine.....Also, I drink a no sugar (used to be called diet) soda whenever I want one and I have since "Tab" came out many years ago. I remember the reports about the artificial sweetener in Tab causing cancer. I also remember reading the follow-up a year of so later saying the mice they used to test the sweetener were given the human equivalent of 600 bottles of Tab daily. I was careful not to do that then, and now with the Sam's Cola, Coke Zero or whatever as I continue to drink no more than a couple per day.......
I was taking this medicine. I was having side effects while taking this medicine. I’m feeling a lot better. BTW…..I’m a type 2
What's the substitute for Metformin which works in similar ways to metformin but also doesn't reduce Vit b12 and testosterone in males?
Berberine
I started metformin for 2 days and I was having muscle weakness and joint pain I stopped.
can someone with insulin resistance take metformin and do fasting as well ? i'm pre diabetic with insulin resistance. HbA1c of 5.6 but my insulin PP is around 157 uU/ml while my Fasting Insulin is 15.2 uU/ml, My fasting blood glucose is 72.15 mg/dL, blood glucose PP is 128 mg/dL. i wanna know if its a good idea for me to be taking Metformin and continue fasting at the same time.
Yes u can metformin does not lower ur blood glucose
where is the index ?
I just got to stop metformin because of severe feet pain . now am only strictly no carbs,take plenty of fruits./fluids and exercise.feel Abit better.
How’s the whole no carb/eat fruit thing working out for you?
Yes! Foot pain, backache and even my arm.
Thank you Doctor for for your excellent guidance. Iam already a diabetes patient and taking metformin
daily each one in morning and evening
but now l stopped on the warning from other sources
Now my blood sugar is 350ml even though lam controlling my diet. My mouth is is often getting dried during daytime
Shall l continue metformin or any other alternative. I request your wise advice
I have been taking metformin for 45 years, 2x1000mgs daily. I have no kidney damage, no low B-12 or any other negatives I can blame on the Metformin...also, I am now 80 years old and in excellent health........
I take this medicine and then after 3 months i got severe hypoglycemia then my doctor give me metaformin hcl .
What if you have TIA can you still take it what else can you take that doesn't cost to much
I’m 67, been Prediabetic for many years, been on 500 mg/ day Metformin for only a week so far. Can’t say I notice much change. Probably too early. 🤓
I heard it takes almost a year to really see if it's working
I've heard that digestive side affects that you might get at first go away after a while but i got other side affects only when i changed the routine.
I feel it's not working for me I stop taking it I now start to take maybe 15 i take not sure if to start to take it again
I have been put on Metformin recently as prediabetic. I had kidney cancer 5 yes ago and only have one now. Is it safe to continue taking this medication.
I would say lower dosage but talk to doctor because I’m not one.
No ,better to change medication
@@stevemoore-nx8cq I did lower the dose myself. I have lost 8kg whilst on it after not being able to lose weight. I have L4, L5 and S1 disc problems in my lower back and can only take panadol sparingly for it. Just asked doctor for kidney, liver and other blood tests.
Do I have to take both slow release Metformin tablets together with my evening meal or can I take one in a morning and one in the evening?
This should be defined in the information you received, and written on the prescription bottle, It would make sense to take one in the morning and one in the evening.. Otherwise the effect of the metformin would be gone for most of the day.....
I can’t use it at all …it makes me anaemic and had to have three blood transfusions for three years …and can not use it at all‼️
My A1c went from 8,9 to 5,8 in 4 months. Doctor reduced my metformin from 2,000mg a day, to 1,000 a day , half the tablet in the morning half in the evening (500mg x2) . Feeling good but sleep a lot. Any tips ?
same here my doctor cut my metformin into half a day ..
We are suppose to be trying to become insulin sensitive. That means no carbs or sugar.
so could you take this for gestational diabetes?
Yes but should speak to your doctor first.
Been on 500mg Met the last two yrs...taking it for my metabolic disorders. I want to take 1000mg, but i have stomach disturbances and constipation, and mild nausea. What to do? I dont feel well.
My doctor prescribed 3x a day of metformin for 3 months bcoz my sugar is 6.3....is it safe for my kidney to take metformin 3x a day for 3 months?
I am sorry but for medico-legal and ethical reasons I can't give individual clinical advice on this channel. This is designed as a general education channel. Please consult your doctor or health provider for individual questions and concerns. I hope you found the video informative nontheless. Best wishes.
Jeez! That sounds like you would destroy your kidneys if it’s high dosage, but doctors usually will tell you to do what benefits you most and ignore the damage from side effects.
What is your total daily dose? I have been taking 2000mgs daily for over 35 years....no problems and I am now 80 years old....I also have frequent kidney test....no problems. Anyone taking metformin should also have kidney test. Your doctor should prescribe them....
A doctor suggesting biscuits!
Miracle Drug! All my labs came back better than expected 🎉
Is it safe to take if you have a low HR
My doctor asked me to take metformin 3 tablets a day and after sometime had severe abdominal pain and tentacles. Any advice please
10:19
Sorry testacle pain
Doctor, can you or anyone please tell me if Metformin is generic or the brand name? Thank you.
Generic
@@DoctorODonovan
Thank you doc and Happy New year. Btw, very good video👍God bless you for educating us worldwide🙏
@@DoctorODonovan
Thanks, doc! Happy New Year and may God bless you for educating us worldwide🙏
I need advice.
My blood sugar was at a average of 11 over a 3 month period and the doctor said i am now a diabetic. Gave me Metforman (1000mg) and told me to take it twice a day.
Within a week i dropped my readings from 15 to 7. Over the next 2 weeks it dropped to between 7 and 4.5. All this without taking any medication, i just started intermittent fasting, cut of sugar and starting a eating lifestyle change. A month has passed and the sugar levels are about 6.5 in the morning, 4.9 the afternoon and 6 the evening. Should i ever take the Metforman?
Please talk to your doctor about this.
that's impossible unless you had a complete blood transfusion....blood cells turn over every 90-120 days...that's why A1C is checked every 3 to 4 months. Stop lying.
No, that stuff will mess with you.
I got sick from it for a long time! Do your research
I've never had a problem with it and I take 1000mg twice a day. I have liver and kidney function checked every 3 months. No problems.@@annawassmuth3641
I've been on Metformin for over 10 years and I still get the shits about once a week. Thank God for Imodium. Since I am retired this is more of a nuisance than a problem. If I am planning on going out to dinner with friends I take a couple of Imodium. The same goes for a flight, a long car trip, or going out on a boat.
Yup
That is the reason I don’t want Met. It used to make my mother shit her pants
Why do you take this rubbish? Diabetes type 2 is totally reversible with diet...
Metformin gives me constant constipation now I must use laxative every week
Metformin gives me the complete opposite! Need a big cork! 😂
It has the opposite effect on me.
You'll probably need to change your approach on medium/long term. Laxative meds can cause dependence
take with vit b 12
After 45 years of metformin I finally have what might be a side effect and it is constipation. Of course a contributing cause could be I am now 80 years old. Aging alone often causes constipation. I say take a laxative when you need it.........
Hy I'm on metformin. At night i take metformin. Can I take a spoon of sugar in tea at night to avoid hypoglycemia?
Lower the dose sounds like a good idea.....
I take metformin and did a lot research. Because it works in the intestines it rarely causes low blood sugar.
I agree, big changes in my blood sugar because of metformin do not happen. The other diabetic drug I take, glimipiride, can cause huge changes and quickly. I sometimes break the pills into small pieces because over time I have learned what they will do.
I was told to take 1/2 a day
Please follow the guidance from your health professional as this is just intended as a general educational resource.
I was on metformin. Up until i was told the medicine was causing kidney issues,high triglycerides,thyroid acting up.i have no doctor or any other medical professional. So i took matters into my own hands. Did significant research on a diet called the 'carnivore diet'. And to my amazement. My glucose has dropped to more normal ranges,blood pressure decreasing to average levels,no more heartburn,etc. Everything is going back to normal! And i stopped all my medicine. I dont plan on going back to being a test dummy for big pharma.
what is the first thing you do? What steps? How often you eat? Since when did you stop taking meds
I'm tired of taking this med.I do control my levels .when am I have to stop using it
Über dieses Medikament hört man nichts Gutes, warum wird man nicht aufgeklärt,
Yes yes ok😢
I’m taking it as it is meant to keep you young Anyone know if this is true Should I Take it or not
There are studies being conducted on metformans ability to reduce brain aging and dementia. And the results of those studies are having positive results.
I have been taking metformin 2000mgs daily since i was 35, I am now 80 and still taking the metformin. For me there has been no reason to stop and yes, it helps me control my blood sugar.......
Metformin does nothing for me. I have been type 2 for more than 3 years. I have been injecting a long acting insulin since last February. I started injecting a short acting insulin a couple of weeks ago. I still take Glucophage. 2000mg a day. My 21 year old daughter has been diabetic for more than 11 years. I learnt so much about type 1. Handled my daughter's diabetes quite well but type 2 is even more difficult. I have other health problems as well as my daughter. 😢
Oh my....change your diet try to hear from glucose goddess
Am a diabetic for 10 year taking insulin meþfomìn
Still my sugar 25 and aabave
You have to stop eating sugar. Check out Dr Robert lustig he explains why
Thanks for sharing this.
10:19 if my blood sugar was still this high I would be seeing another dr your diabetes is still not controlled you really should look at seeing an other GP or diabetes clinic right away
My body didn't like this medicine so didn't take it and got given another diabetic drug,
Hope this is now helping
Quick question why did my doctor give me statins (for high cholesterol) and give metformin which could raise cholesterol?
It doesn't raise Cholesterol lol.
This drug should not be on the market! It made me so sick that I almost died.
I told my doctor to inform the manufacturer about what happened to me, when I was taking it.
I am loosing hair rapidly 😢😢😢
I’m sorry to hear this
I had metformin for about a week or so and there's too many side effects that I was receiving on a 1000 mg tablets so my doctor just can discontinued metformin and now I'm just using insulin for my diabetes type 2 I just got to eat right and pay attention to my I don't support metformin has too many side effects and then down the line as you take it there's other side effects and nobody tells anybody about all these side effects before you take metformin you better study everything about metformin and all the long-term and short-term side effects.
Metformin caused my Muscle Damage.Confirmed by M.D..
Does metformin cause prolong menstruation?
Not usually, no… if it causing prolonged Menstruation definitely check in with your doctor
The best advice is quit eating carbs.
To much sugar
I hate it.
My pee smells like asparagus after using it
My blood sugar was 6.1 is that diabetes.
No change diet and exercise no sugars no carbs !! Do it now save your life
Makes me shit all day
Sorry to hear this
😂😂😂yes💩💩💩297 so true
I have been taking metformin for 35 years and it never caused that. However, it could be why at 80 I am often constipated...or, it could just be old age.........
Yesssss me to
its a crap drug been on it for years now im off them terrible drug stay away
Tried both side effects are horrible told doctor just give me the injections
Metformin caused my hair to fall out...
I’m sorry to hear this
You’re kidding right?
@@1999zrx1100 no... the doctor said it messed with my thyroid. 🤷🏾
The worst medication I've ever used 🤬
I was crippled with stomach pains! Trapped wind and bloating! Never again 👎👎👎
Stay away from Metformin
Why??
@@allanbriggs807 I was on it, read about all the side effects…..check reviews…..I did not like it…..I take the weekly shot now for diabetes….much better
😮😊😮
What is the contradiction when a male takes Metformin?
bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/metformin-hydrochloride/#contra-indications
How to use it ?
Simple = throw it in the garbage !!
Eat less often
Main takeaways:
1- Eat less often.
2- Avoid sugary drinks and foods.
3- Reduce meat intake for longevity.
4- Its never too late for dietary changes.
5- Find veggies that have been stressed out (organic, colorful veggies)
6-Never start a meal with sugars, if you do eat them at last (desert).
EAT LESS OFTEN
-There is a genetic pathway that gets triggered by low energy. These genes (sirtuins) respond to low energy (low glucose levels-caloric restriction), high heat, low amino acids, high salt (stressors). -----They take care of the DNA repair and the stabilization of the epigenome.
-When the body is hungry, the body makes NAD (fuel for the sirtuins).
-Two ways to activate sirtuins synthetically:
1) Use some molecules
2) NAD booster.
Longevity genes:
Mtor: protein that registers amino acids. Allows the cell to build things. Not a recipe for longevity. Activates autophagy.
Ampk: goes up when hungry. Makes more mitochondria (important for making energy)
Sirtuins
Fasting:
- Metformin: mimics fasting.
- Time Restricted Feeding: At least 16 hours.
- Liver compensates for the lack of food. Glucose neo-genesis. It overcomes the feeling of hunger. The liver starts making glucose at a steady level.
Sugar: big killer. It spikes glucose. Glucose shut down sirtuins and ampk. Defenses against diseases and aging shut down.
Protein: we should avoid high protein red meat diet for longevity. It inhibits mtor.
Amino acids: three important. Leucine, isoleucine, and valine: BCAAs. Are used to sense protein intake. The sensor is mtor. The mtor activates when you get them. Mtor repairs and build muscle. In the short run, this is good for building muscle etc. But in the long run, mtor is the responsible for autophagy, which is key to longevity.
Plant based diets: the more vegetarian you are, the longer you live. The best, Okinawa diet, is plant base diet with fish - (probably because of Essential fatty acids)
Humans grew COLD and HUNGRY. Now we live at warm houses with food available all the time.
In the trash!
If your prescribe Metformin then you are not much of a doctor. The better doctors knows Berberine is better with no side effects.
Olive oil will make a huge difference in your numbers.
How do you take it? With meals? Does it cause heartburn since it’s oil?
@@deekap8387 my wife got me doing it and taking apple cider vinegar, I like to combine 2 tablespoons of each and some fruit juice to make it palatable. Then chase it with something to get the taste out of my mouth.
You should probably start with one tablespoon and see what works for you, my wife mixed up like 4 doses (8 table spoons of olive oil and 8 tablespoons of vinegar) in a bottle and I drank it all thinking it was one dose and vomited from probably all the vinegar, but still.
Apparently it's better to take it before eating, but you can also take it after, still beneficial.
How? Explain
can metformin be taken as a injection?
Yes..like ozempic