Question:

Hi all T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high 100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin?  None of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc. I eat low-carb and follow a regular workout regimine. Thanks in advance for any info. that I can take back and discuss with my doctor.

Response:

> Hi all > T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. > I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My > doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per > day

I started at two 500mg a day and now am up to two 850mg a day so somehow I don’t think 1000mg a day is the maximum. I’m newly diagnosed as well though and there are people here that know a lot more than me, at least on the subject of diabetes. I’m also on the right side of the pond which may make a difference in maximum allowable dose. Phildo

Response:

>Hi all >T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. >I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My >doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per >day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high >100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up >to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin?  None >of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more >though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting >on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my >symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to >heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc.

Have you been tested to make sure you’re not actually an adult-onset Type 1 diabetic?  The fact that none of your oral meds are working seems suspicious, so it might be worth getting checked out. As far as avoiding insulin — I would think about it in a different way.  Insulin isn’t the enemy, to be used only when every other option has been tried and failed.  Insulin is just another treatment option, and it can work really well as part of your arsenal against diabetes. If you’re having trouble controlling your bg’s on your oral meds, and especially if you’re becoming symptomatic, I would strongly consider beginning insulin therapy.  Think of it as learning to drive a stick-shift car after being used to driving an automatic.  The stick-shift seems more difficult and a major pain in the butt at first, but after you get used to it, a lot of people prefer it. I can’t address the question of metformin dosages, because I have no experience with it, but just wanted to tell you that insulin is worth considering.   –Jan Type 2, dx’ed during pregnancy, 11/01 Diabetes News blog: http://www.12pointfont.com/diabetesnews

Response:

> My >doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per >day but it doesn’t seem to be workin

I don’t know if it makes a difference, but are you taking the XR or the regular? I take the XR and I used to take 1500mg a day, now I only take 1000mg. Dana

Response:

My prescription simply reads Metformin HCL 500 mg

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My >doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per >day but it doesn’t seem to be workin > I don’t know if it makes a difference, but are you taking the XR or > the regular? I take the XR and I used to take 1500mg a day, now I only > take 1000mg. > Dana

Response:

Thanks for the reply Jan. I know insulin isn’t the enemy (I just hate to admit to myself that this disease has progressed to the point where I require it).  I’m really bummed about this.  You may indeed be correct… I may now be an adult-onset type 1 diabetic and just haven’t had it verified yet.  I go in to see my doctor at the end of the month.  I guess the real question is, am I still producing enough of my own insulin to do the job with the help of Metformin or have I burned out? What is the test they run to test insulin levels? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi all >T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. >I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My >doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per >day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high >100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up >to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin? None >of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more >though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting >on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my >symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to >heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc. > Have you been tested to make sure you’re not actually an adult-onset > Type 1 diabetic?  The fact that none of your oral meds are working > seems suspicious, so it might be worth getting checked out. > As far as avoiding insulin — I would think about it in a different > way.  Insulin isn’t the enemy, to be used only when every other option > has been tried and failed.  Insulin is just another treatment option, > and it can work really well as part of your arsenal against diabetes. > If you’re having trouble controlling your bg’s on your oral meds, and > especially if you’re becoming symptomatic, I would strongly consider > beginning insulin therapy.  Think of it as learning to drive a > stick-shift car after being used to driving an automatic.  The > stick-shift seems more difficult and a major pain in the butt at > first, but after you get used to it, a lot of people prefer it. > I can’t address the question of metformin dosages, because I have no > experience with it, but just wanted to tell you that insulin is worth > considering. > –Jan > Type 2, dx’ed during pregnancy, 11/01 > Diabetes News blog: http://www.12pointfont.com/diabetesnews

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi all >T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. >I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My >doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per >day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high >100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up >to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin?  None >of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more >though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting >on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my >symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to >heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc. >I eat low-carb and follow a regular workout regimine. >Thanks in advance for any info. that I can take back and discuss with my >doctor.

I am still on my first month of diabetes medicine, and my primary care has me on 1000 mg of Metformin twice a day. But I’m a large person — over 300 pounds. Would that make a difference? Cheryl

Response:

My doctor has had me on two 500 mg tablets of metformin morning and bedtime along with a Glucotrol XL 5 mg in the morning for years. I seem to do just fine on it so long as I remember to test both before and after meals. I have learned what foods I can tolerate and which ones I can’t. I wonder why your doctor believes a total of 1000 mg per day is maximum amount? Chuck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi all > T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. > I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My > doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per > day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high > 100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up > to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin?  None > of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more > though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting > on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my > symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to > heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc. > I eat low-carb and follow a regular workout regimine. > Thanks in advance for any info. that I can take back and discuss with my > doctor.

Response:

That is the regular generic form of Glucofage, which is what I take. I tried the Glucofage XR and did not get nearly as good control with it, so on my request the doctor put me back on the regular. I’m not sure the XR is available yet in a generic form. Chuck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > My prescription simply reads Metformin HCL 500 mg > > My > >doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg > per > >day but it doesn’t seem to be workin > I don’t know if it makes a difference, but are you taking the XR or > the regular? I take the XR and I used to take 1500mg a day, now I only > take 1000mg. > Dana

Response:

> I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up > to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin?  

        The maximum dose of Metformin is 2550 mg/day.  The manufacturer’s tell us that 1500 mg/day is the minimum effective dose for most people.  Some people report seeing results on less.   Your doctor is either ignorant or lying to you.  Either is a cause for alarm.   Tell your doctor to consult the PDR for dosing instructions.  You can check www.rxlist.com or ask for a "product insert" from your pharmacist.  It is not dangerous to exceed the dose, but it is ineffective.         Metformin is famous for causing gastric distress in many people when first starting it.  It’s prudent to take it with meals and to gradually increase the dose as you adjust to it.  It may be a different matter if your doctor is just gradually increasing the dose. > None > of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more > though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting > on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my > symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to > heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc.

        I agree with the other poster who suggested that you may be a Type 1 if oral meds are not working for you . . . especially if you are already low carbing.         As for insulin, there is a growing school of thought that diabetics should start out on insulin to preserve their beta cell function rather than going to insulin as a last resort.         Slow healing of wounds and numbness of your toes are serious signs. You don’t want peripheral neuropathy to progress.  It is painful and debilitating.  Sores that are slow to heal can progress to amuputated feet.   You need to bring your BGs down and keep them there.         The eyesight focusing problems are probably temporary and harmless. Changes in BGs change the optical density of your eye.  When your BGs normalize, so will your eyesight.         Good luck.                 E

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi all >T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. >I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My >doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per >day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high >100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up >to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin?  None >of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more >though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting >on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my >symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to >heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc. >I eat low-carb and follow a regular workout regimine. >Thanks in advance for any info. that I can take back and discuss with my >doctor. > I am still on my first month of diabetes medicine, and my primary care > has me on 1000 mg of Metformin twice a day. But I’m a large person — > over 300 pounds. Would that make a difference? > Cheryl

I am 200 pounds and on the same dosage.

Response:

>Thanks for the reply Jan. >I know insulin isn’t the enemy (I just hate to admit to myself that this >disease has progressed to the point where I require it).  I’m really bummed >about this.  You may indeed be correct… I may now be an adult-onset type 1 >diabetic and just haven’t had it verified yet.  I go in to see my doctor at >the end of the month.  I guess the real question is, am I still producing >enough of my own insulin to do the job with the help of Metformin or have I >burned out? >What is the test they run to test insulin levels?

A c-peptide test, I think.  Type 1 diabetics will have zero or almost zero c-peptide levels, whereas a Type 2 will have something approaching a normal level.  (A lot higher than zero, anyway.) I understand what you mean about hating to admit the progression of the disease.  I went through/am going through something similar — because I started treatment before I was even officially diagnosed, thanks to the fact that I managed to score <126 on fasting glucose tests at the doctor’s office, I felt like "Oh, I’ve caught it early, therefore I will have a ‘mild case’".  Well, in actuality my post-prandial levels were quite elevated, spiking up to the 240-250 range for awhile, and diet & exercise didn’t work for me.  I opted to start insulin therapy as a first line of defense, for a variety of reasons, but was pretty bummed out that my "mild case" turned out to be not so mild after all.  I think the important thing to remember, though, is that you’re not a "bad diabetic" for needing to change/increase your meds; it’s your body’s fault, not yours.  And, the important thing is getting your bg’s into a normal range, no matter what treatment that might entail.  But, I do feel your pain. –Jan Type 2, dx’ed during pregnancy, 11/01 Diabetes News blog: http://www.12pointfont.com/diabetesnews

Response:

> Hi all > T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. > I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My > doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per > day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high > 100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up > to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin?  None > of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more > though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting > on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my > symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to > heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc.

Sure sounds like diabetes-related syndrome.  I’m taking 850 mg Metformin twice a day (not XR) but then my body weight is around 300#.  I was on insulin for a couple of years, but the doc upped my metformin and took me off insulin.  My FBGs are around 100 (95-110) and post prandials run (120-145) (just a bit higher than I prefer). > I eat low-carb and follow a regular workout regimine.

Lo-carb here, but limited physical activity. — Gregory G. "Wolfe" Woodbury      `-_-’    Owner/Admin: wolves.durham.nc.us ggw at wolves.durham.nc.us         U       "The Line Eater is a boojum snark."     Hug your wolf.

Response:

> Hi all > T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. > I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My > doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per > day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high > 100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up > to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin?

I could be wrong, but I thought 2,500 mg was the maximum dose per day.  I currently take 2,000 mg per day and also Starlix with each meal. > None > of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more > though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting > on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my > symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to > heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc. > I eat low-carb and follow a regular workout regimine. > Thanks in advance for any info. that I can take back and discuss with my > doctor.

As for the insulin, I know how you feel.  I keep thinking it’s the next step.  But there are plenty of other meds out there I haven’t tried. — Type 2 http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi all >T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. >I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My >doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per >day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high >100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up >to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin? None >of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more >though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting >on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my >symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to >heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc. >I eat low-carb and follow a regular workout regimine. >Thanks in advance for any info. that I can take back and discuss with my >doctor. > I am still on my first month of diabetes medicine, and my primary care > has me on 1000 mg of Metformin twice a day. But I’m a large person — > over 300 pounds. Would that make a difference? > Cheryl

I am 200 pounds and on the same dosage. I am 155 pounds and am on the same dosage.

Response:

:>Hi all :> :>T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. :> :>I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My :>doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per :>day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high :>100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up :>to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin?  None :>of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more :>though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting :>on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my :>symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to :>heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc. : Have you been tested to make sure you’re not actually an adult-onset : Type 1 diabetic?  The fact that none of your oral meds are working : seems suspicious, so it might be worth getting checked out. I take 1000mg of metformin twice  a day for a total of 2000mgs.  I have heard on this group that the max dose is 2500.  The 2000 a dy has enabled me to get my fasting bg’s down to under 110 on most mornings, while this number was under 130 when I ws on 2 500mgs a day.  Gor a new endo and he upped my medication and lowered my bgs. Wendy Baker

Response:

>Thanks for the reply Jan. >I know insulin isn’t the enemy (I just hate to admit to myself that this >disease has progressed to the point where I require it).  I’m really bummed >about this.  You may indeed be correct… I may now be an adult-onset type 1 >diabetic and just haven’t had it verified yet.  I go in to see my doctor at >the end of the month.  I guess the real question is, am I still producing >enough of my own insulin to do the job with the help of Metformin or have I >burned out? >What is the test they run to test insulin levels?

C-peptide

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > :>Hi all > :> > :>T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. > :> > :>I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My > :>doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per > :>day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high > :>100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up > :>to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin?  None > :>of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more > :>though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting > :>on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my > :>symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to > :>heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc. > : Have you been tested to make sure you’re not actually an adult-onset > : Type 1 diabetic?  The fact that none of your oral meds are working > : seems suspicious, so it might be worth getting checked out. > I take 1000mg of metformin twice  a day for a total of 2000mgs.  I have > heard on this group that the max dose is 2500.  The 2000 a dy has enabled > me to get my fasting bg’s down to under 110 on most mornings, while this > number was under 130 when I ws on 2 500mgs a day.  Gor a new endo and he > upped my medication and lowered my bgs. > Wendy Baker

Wendy, how have you been able to get your FBG down that far? If I don’t eat a bedtime snack I can figure on mine being anywhere from 160-190. If I do have my bedtime snack I can expect it to be between 130 & 150. I have tried different snack items with more protein and/or more complex carbs to no avail. I don’t know if it has anything to do with the fact that we don’t get to be during the week before 1:00 a.m and get up around 8:30-9:00 a.m. or not. I do recall someone in here saying if they slept in they got higher FBG numbers. Do you have any suggestions? Anyone? Chuck

Response:

> >Wendy, how have you been able to get your FBG down that far? If I don’t eat a >bedtime snack I can figure on mine being anywhere from 160-190. If I do have my >bedtime snack I can expect it to be between 130 & 150. I have tried different >snack items with more protein and/or more complex carbs to no avail. I don’t know >if it has anything to do with the fact that we don’t get to be during the week >before 1:00 a.m and get up around 8:30-9:00 a.m. or not. I do recall someone in >here saying if they slept in they got higher FBG numbers. > Howdy Chuck, > When you have your bedtime snack, when are you eating it?

At 12:45 a.m. > If you go > to bed at 1am, is your snack just before bed or an hour before bed? > Also do you adjust your bedtime snack to the reading you get at that > time?

No. >  Do you have a set amount for your snacks?

Yes. The same snack every night. When I cut half of it out my numbers went up. We have a small cup of hot chocolate and an equally small roll. Total carbs around 20-25 grams. >Do you have any suggestions? Anyone? > I’d try seeing if you can get in some exercise during the day, even > if it’s just climbing stairs or walking for 20 mins.

Now that we are having warm weather here, I usually spend at least an hour outside everyday gardening, walking, playing with the dogs, etc. > Building muscle will be a big help to getting your overall numbers > down.

I would like to lose some significant weight, but I am not sure about building more muscle mass. I worked out of doors for over 35 years doing pretty strenuous work. For my height and bone structure I am pretty muscular already. > Try doing a food log for a week or two, and see where you might be > able to reduce carbs or calories. > I don’t know what your diet is like, but you may want to see if > limiting your carbs at night will help those fasting numbers.

We are working on reducing carbs and calories. > I know if I don’t do any type of exercise, more than 3 days in a > row, my FBG will start to creep into the 110 to 118 range, and even > higher if I get less than 5 hours of sleep.

Apparently you have not read any of the recent articles about sleep deprivation. Research has shown that the overwhelming majority of people need at least eight hours sleep per 24 hours, including older people. I would not be able to function for very long on only 5 hours sleep per night. I can only imagine what that would do to my blood pressure. > I have been taking two 500mg tabs of metformin per day, since Nov > 2001.  My normal FBG is about 89 to 110 (according to my 90 day > log). For me, any time I go to bed at 4am and get up at 7:30 to 8am, > poof 115 to 120.

That is great! > So far I have not had any problems with having > higher FBG levels, when I over sleep (9 to 12 hours).

That is another thing the research mentioned. They said if you can sleep for much over 8 hours at a time it proves you have not been getting enough rest. > Now during the past 3 weeks, I have been using just 1  500mg tab of > metformin for the day. And so far have been maintaining my fasting > levels as well as PP reading under 115. (most are still 89 to 110)

Fantastic! I will envy you for a bit if that is okay. > I think the main thing that has helped me is losing weight and > eating a much healthier diet, and lowering my carb intake. Currently > doing about 1300 to 1500 calories a day, with  1600 to 1800 once a > week.

How many carb exchanges per day, per meal and per snack? > Exercise really seems to help with my FBG numbers now that I have > been using just 500mg of metformin per day. > — > Terrell type 2 metformin 500mg x2

Thanks Terrell. I really appreciate your input. Chuck

Response:

your FBG down that far? If I don’t eat a :> >bedtime snack I can figure on mine being anywhere from 160-190. If I do have my :> >bedtime snack I can expect it to be between 130 & 150. I have tried different :> >snack items with more protein and/or more complex carbs to no avail. I don’t know :> >if it has anything to do with the fact that we don’t get to be during the

week :> >before 1:00 a.m and get up around 8:30-9:00 a.m. or not. I do recall someone in :> >here saying if they slept in they got higher FBG numbers. :> :> Howdy Chuck, :> :> When you have your bedtime snack, when are you eating it? : At 12:45 a.m. :> If you go :> to bed at 1am, is your snack just before bed or an hour before bed? :> Also do you adjust your bedtime snack to the reading you get at that :> time? : No. :>  Do you have a set amount for your snacks? : a small cup of hot chocolate and an equally small roll. Total carbs around 20-25 : grams. :> That is about the amount of carbs I have for a meal, not a snack.  I know there are male-female differences, but I find that if I go higher than 30 for a meal I get a high 2 hr pp.  My night snack is low carb, but some carb, say 1/4C roasted soy nuts-about 10-12 grs of carb, or 2 wasa breads with some cheese on them.  If my 2 hr pp is high thee is no snack or just a few baby carrots or grape tomatos, which don’t seem to spike me at all.   Just interested, have you ever tested an hour after that cocoa and roll snack?  For me it would be a killer.   I am not really sure how I got the fbg’s down, and sometimes they unaccountably jump up , perhaps stress, an upset stomach or something, but i do find they will go back down after a day or so of driving me crazy.  I really don’t take a snack every night.  Depends on how full I am and how much time I spend on line, which helps keep me from the fridge:-) Wendy Baker 1000mgs metformin .5mgs Prandin, only if eating out or holiday or a sandwich for lunch

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > your FBG down that far? If I don’t eat a :> >bedtime snack I can figure on > mine being anywhere from 160-190. If I do have my :> >bedtime snack I can > expect it to be between 130 & 150. I have tried different :> >snack items > with more protein and/or more complex carbs to no avail. I don’t know :> >if it has anything to do with the fact that we don’t get to be during the > week :> >before 1:00 a.m and get up around 8:30-9:00 a.m. or not. I do > recall someone in :> >here saying if they slept in they got higher FBG > numbers. :> :> Howdy Chuck, :> :> When you have your bedtime snack, when > are you eating it? > : At 12:45 a.m. > :> If you go > :> to bed at 1am, is your snack just before bed or an hour before bed? > :> Also do you adjust your bedtime snack to the reading you get at that > :> time? > : No. > :>  Do you have a set amount for your snacks? > : a small cup of hot chocolate and an equally small roll. Total carbs > around 20-25 : grams. > :> > That is about the amount of carbs I have for a meal, not a snack.  I know > there are male-female differences, but I find that if I go higher than 30 > for a meal I get a high 2 hr pp.

Oh my. My snacks are all one or two exchanges. Meals will vary between two and four exchanges depending on what is on the menu at home or what I order at the restaurant. I know that we hear YMMV all the time. However, the only time my two hour pp numbers are over 140 is when I have tried something "different" to see what effect it will have. When I do that, I eat no more than one serving of the new food. Apparently, my pancreas is still working and at times my body is still utilizing my insulin just fine. I have on rare occasions eaten the combination dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant and had a pp reading of about 125. You don’t even want to know everything that is one that dinner. I do always tell them to not bring the rice as that is a guaranteed spike for me. We rarely eat more that what is considered a single serving of meat. ( a piece about the size of a deck of cards. ) We eat a lot of salads and other vegetables that I have found I can eat without spiking. I have never experienced a spike after eating refried beans with corn tortillas. >  My night snack is low carb, but some > carb, say 1/4C roasted soy nuts-about 10-12 grs of carb, or 2 wasa breads > with some cheese on them.  If my 2 hr pp is high thee is no snack or just > a few baby carrots or grape tomatos, which don’t seem to spike me at all. > Just interested, have you ever tested an hour after that cocoa and roll > snack?  For me it would be a killer.

Kind of hard to do when at the one hour mark I am in dreamland. I settled on that particular bedtime snack after having tried several others, including things like Slim Jims, string cheese, nuts and other low carb snacks. As I said, if I do that I am guaranteed a high FBG. We tried just having the cocoa or just having the little roll. Result? High FBG. I guess my body knows what it likes. I can tell you that I have tried that snack for my mid afternoon snack and it has never put me above 135-140. For me, I do not become concerned with a BG of 140. > I am not really sure how I got the fbg’s down, and sometimes they > unaccountably jump up , perhaps stress, an upset stomach or something, but > i do find they will go back down after a day or so of driving me crazy.

Stress, whether it is external or caused by an illness will do crazy things with my numbers too. Apparently that is fairly common. > I > really don’t take a snack every night.  Depends on how full I am and how > much time I spend on line, which helps keep me from the fridge:-)

Saturday and Sunday evenings we usually have popcorn or some other snack around nine and go to bed around 11:30 so we don’t have our usual bedtime snack. I’m just not hungry again. I am supposed to eat or drink milk with two of the meds I have to take at bedtime, so that is another excuse/reason to do it. When I skip the bedtime snack on the weekends – BINGO – high numbers in the morning. > Wendy Baker 1000mgs metformin .5mgs Prandin, only if eating out or holiday > or a sandwich for lunch

You are very fortunate Wendy. I am not familiar with Prandin. What does it do? I take a Glucotrol XL 5 mg every morning along with my 1000 mg. of metformin and other morning meds. Thanks Wendy. Chuck

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:>

:> :> :> :> :> :> That is about the amount of carbs I have for a meal, not a snack.  I know :> there are male-female differences, but I find that if I go higher than 30 :> for a meal I get a high 2 hr pp. : Oh my. My snacks are all one or two exchanges. Meals will vary between two and : four exchanges depending on what is on the menu at home or what I order at the : restaurant. I know that we hear YMMV all the time. However, the only time my : two hour pp numbers are over 140 is when I have tried something "different" to : see what effect it will have. When I do that, I eat no more than one serving : of the new food. Apparently, my pancreas is still working and at times my body : is still utilizing my insulin just fine. I have on rare occasions eaten the : combination dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant and had a pp reading of : about 125. You don’t even want to know everything that is one that dinner. I : do always tell them to not bring the rice as that is a guaranteed spike for : me. : We rarely eat more that what is considered a single serving of meat. ( a piece : about the size of a deck of cards. ) We eat a lot of salads and other : vegetables that I have found I can eat without spiking. I have never : experienced a spike after eating refried beans with corn tortillas. :>  My night snack is low carb, but some :> carb, say 1/4C roasted soy nuts-about 10-12 grs of carb, or 2 wasa breads :> with some cheese on them.  If my 2 hr pp is high thee is no snack or just :> a few baby carrots or grape tomatos, which don’t seem to spike me at all. :> :> Just interested, have you ever tested an hour after that cocoa and roll :> snack?  For me it would be a killer. : Kind of hard to do when at the one hour mark I am in dreamland. I settled on : that particular bedtime snack after having tried several others, including : things like Slim Jims, string cheese, nuts and other low carb snacks. As I : said, if I do that I am guaranteed a high FBG. We tried just having the cocoa : or just having the little roll. Result? High FBG. I guess my body knows what : it likes. : I can tell you that I have tried that snack for my mid afternoon snack and it : has never put me above 135-140. For me, I do not become concerned with a BG of : 140. :> :> :> I am not really sure how I got the fbg’s down, and sometimes they :> unaccountably jump up , perhaps stress, an upset stomach or something, but :> i do find they will go back down after a day or so of driving me crazy. : Stress, whether it is external or caused by an illness will do crazy things : with my numbers too. Apparently that is fairly common. :> I :> really don’t take a snack every night.  Depends on how full I am and how :> much time I spend on line, which helps keep me from the fridge:-) : Saturday and Sunday evenings we usually have popcorn or some other snack : around nine and go to bed around 11:30 so we don’t have our usual bedtime : snack. I’m just not hungry again. I am supposed to eat or drink milk with two : of the meds I have to take at bedtime, so that is another excuse/reason to do : it. When I skip the bedtime snack on the weekends – BINGO – high numbers in : the morning. :> :> :> Wendy Baker 1000mgs metformin .5mgs Prandin, only if eating out or holiday :> or a sandwich for lunch : You are very fortunate Wendy. I am not familiar with Prandin. What does it do? : I take a Glucotrol XL 5 mg every morning along with my 1000 mg. of metformin : and other morning meds. : Thanks Wendy. : Chuck OK, I am replyin ghere to two of yur comments.  First, I am aiming for less than 120 2 hrs pp but don’t panic at an occasional reading in the 130’s but try to figure out what caused it.  I don’t know but that this aim for generally lower numbers helps keep the fbg down, but that is wht has happened to me.  With my old endo I didn’t test pp at all.  My new on wants me below 140 but is not at all unhappy with my lower goals, which, I believe, he admires. Prandin is  what I call an insulin pusher, that causes the pancreas to put out more insulin.  It is a short acting one, so it doesn’t keep the insulin circulating in you body all the time givin gyou a nice big appetite and pushing on the pancreas all the time.  Starlix is a similarly acting medication.  I believe the glucotrol is a long acting insulin pusher. Wendy Baker

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: Hi   Are you on the Generic? I tried the Generic and it did not work for me : so I went to my Doc for my three month check-up my Hb1Ac was 9.21 I asked to : be put on Glucophage XR he also upped me to 2000 mg a day I also went to a : diabetic ed class and learned to count carbs and now my bg levels are : ranging from 110 in the morning to 125 at bed time a far cry from where I : was 6weeks ago ( low to middle 200’s)  Scott

:> Hi all :> Scott Delighted to hear of your improvement. With all the changes you have instituted, including a dosage increase for the glocophage, carb counting,etc, I wonder ow much is due to using the branded product and how much to the additional changes. Wendy Baker

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Hi   Are you on the Generic? I tried the Generic and it did not work for me so I went to my Doc for my three month check-up my Hb1Ac was 9.21 I asked to be put on Glucophage XR he also upped me to 2000 mg a day I also went to a diabetic ed class and learned to count carbs and now my bg levels are ranging from 110 in the morning to 125 at bed time a far cry from where I was 6weeks ago ( low to middle 200’s)  Scott

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all > T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. > I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My > doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per > day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high > 100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up > to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin? None > of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more > though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting > on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my > symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to > heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc. > I eat low-carb and follow a regular workout regimine. > Thanks in advance for any info. that I can take back and discuss with my > doctor.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi all > T2 diabetic – first time I’ve posted. > I have a question regarding the dosage recommendations for Metformin.  My > doctor tells me that he is prescribing the maximum allowable at 1000 mg per > day but it doesn’t seem to be working to drive down my numbers (in the high > 100’s to low 200’s).   I have seen several posts here indicating dosages up > to 1500 mg per day.  Is it dangerous to exceed 1000 mgs of Metformin? None > of the other oral meds I have taken seem to do anything for me any more > though I do take Starlix before my meals.  I’m trying to keep from starting > on insulin as long as I can but I’m getting concerned about some of my > symptoms… eyesight hard to focus, wounds on my legs that take forever to > heal, toes that are starting to get a bit numb, etc. > I eat low-carb and follow a regular workout regimine. > Thanks in advance for any info. that I can take back and discuss with my > doctor.

I too use this drug in the form of Glucopghage XR.  I am taking 1500 mgs/ per day. 2 in the a.m. & 1 in the evening.  I am experiencing tiredness, I believe because it is inhibiting the absorption of vit B12.  Other that that, it seems to be working well. Jo Ann in MD. type 2 1993

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