Metformin Causing Hypoglycemia?
Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please,join our community todayto contribute and support the site. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. I don't actually have diabetes... I have insulin resistance due to PCOS....but I figured the people here would know a good deal about drugs such as metformin. I was pretty lucky with metformin at the start, the only side effects I had was periods of weakness/shakiness. Which I'm starting to wonder if it's because my blood sugar is dropping too low. Just tonight, my heart started pounding, my hands were shaking, my mind was racing, I got chills and hot flashes, I felt weak and my head started hurting. This happened about 4hrs after taking a dose of metformin. I had eaten about 5 hours prior. Most of those effects are gone now except my head still hurts a little and I still feel weak. I never had these little spells prior to metformin, but now they happen on a daily basis, usually in the evening. I do not have a glucose meter, so I can't test it. I go back to see my doctor next week anyway. I'm afraid to mention it to him because I don't want to be taken off metformin and my insulin resistance progress into type II diabetes or anything like that. No, I don't have a meter. Prior to this, my blood glucose has always been fine. It's never been high, though I do remember it being tested once when I was in the hospital and it was 70. My mother has type 1 diabetes and my grandmothers on both sides of my family had type II - and my brother is prediabetic if not full diabetic by now, so doctors do tend to check a lot because of my family history and because I am overweight (probably due to PCOS and hypothyroidism, or possibly because I eat junk LOL). Another thing I've been wondering....should I be mod Continue reading >>
Hypoglycemia Induced By Therapeutic Doses Of Metformin In The Absence Of Other Anti-diabetic Drugs
Abstract Context: Hypoglycemia due to metformin used in therapeutic dose is not frequently encountered. Metformin induced hypoglycemia has been linked previously to metformin overdose, but the presence of other co-ingestions (e.g., a sulfonylurea) was not definitively excluded. Case details: A 64-year-old male ingested 750 mg of metformin. On examination in the emergency department 8 h later, he was drowsy; nevertheless he had normal vital signs. He developed severe hypoglycemia (21 mg/dL), requiring a bolus of 50%dextrose followed by resumption of oral intake. This episode of hypoglycemia occurred approximately 8 h after ingestion. Discussion: Metformin ingestion in therapeutic doses can cause hypoglycemia in the absence of other glucose-lowering drugs, there for blood glucose levels should be monitored closely. Mechanisms via which metformin can induce hypoglycemia include reduction in hepatic glucose production, decreased glucose absorption, and poor oral intake. Discover the world's research 14+ million members 100+ million publications 700k+ research projects Join for free Context: Hypoglycemia due to metformin used in therapeutic dose is not frequently encountered. Metformin induced hypoglycemia has been linked previously to metformin overdose, but the presence of other co-ingestions (e.g., a sulfonylurea) was not definitively excluded. Case details: A 64-year-old male ingested 750 mg of metformin. On examination in the emergency department 8 h later, he was drowsy; nevertheless he had normal vital signs. He developed severe hypoglycemia (21 mg/dL), requiring a bolus of 50%dextrose followed by resumption of oral intake. This episode of hypoglycemia occurred approximately 8 h after ingestion. Discussion: Metformin ingestion in therapeutic doses can cause hypoglycem Continue reading >>
Oral Hypoglycemic Drugs
Oral hypoglycemic drugs are used only in the treatment of type 2 diabetes which is a disorder involving resistance to secreted insulin. Type 1 diabetes involves a lack of insulin and requires insulin for treatment. There are now four classes of hypoglycemic drugs: Sulfonylureas Metformin Thiazolidinediones Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. These drugs are approved for use only in patients with type 2 diabetes and are used in patients who have not responded to diet, weight reduction, and exercise. They are not approved for the treatment of women who are pregnant with diabetes. SULFONYLUREAS – Sulfonylureas are the most widely used drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and appear to function by stimulating insulin secretion. The net effect is increased responsiveness of ß-cells (insulin secreting cells located in the pancreas) to both glucose and non-glucose secretagogues, resulting in more insulin being released at all blood glucose concentrations. Sulfonylureas may also have extra-pancreatic effects, one of which is to increase tissue sensitivity to insulin, but the clinical importance of these effects is minimal. Pharmacokinetics – Sulfonylureas differ mainly in their potency & their duration of action. Glipizide, glyburide (glibenclamide), and glimepiride are so-called second-generation sulfonylureas. They have a potency that allows them to be given in much lower doses. Those drugs with longer half-lives (particularly chlorpropamide, glyburide, and glimepiride) can be given once daily. This benefit may be counterbalanced by a substantially increased risk of hypoglycemia. Side effects – Sulfonylureas are usually well tolerated. Hypoglycemia is the most common side effect and is more common with long-acting sulfonylureas. Patients recently discharged from hospit Continue reading >>
Metformin And Hypoglycemia
so today i finally had a doc do something I didn't expect. He actually listened to me about being hypo instead of telling me there is now way i could get that. I am not diabetic but because i deal with hypo does Metformin create that as a side effect? any info you have on how this drug works would be much appreciated Georgia: Yes, I see that Metformin is used to regulate blood sugars, probably in T2's. What are you taking it for? I also saw something about using it for PCOS. I didn't read all the details. Maybe you're sensitive to it. It sounds logical to me if it's making you hypo!!! What else did the doctor say. You are your best doctor!!!! You live in your body - they don't. I've been precribed meds for certain things and I refuse to take them. Use your intuition. so today i finally had a doc do something I didn't expect. He actually listened to me about being hypo instead of telling me there is now way i could get that. I am not diabetic but because i deal with hypo does Metformin create that as a side effect? any info you have on how this drug works would be much appreciated Metformin is a well known drug that's been around for a long time. It does a couple of things. It helps with insulin resistance and it also regulates how much glucose the liver puts out in the morning, reducing dawn phenomenen. It can cause digestive problems especially at first. It is a considered to be very safe drug. I took it for about 6 months but it didn't help (or hurt) Last edited by itotito; 12-28-2009 at 04:25 PM. I just got the drug today but i read in it where hypo can be a side effect for some. that just makes me nervous to take it I just got the drug today but i read in it where hypo can be a side effect for some. that just makes me nervous to take it I would bet it reduces your Continue reading >>
Metformin Hypoglycemia And Weightloss
Metformin has been an absolute God-send to me. I've been taking it for nearly 5 years. Like someone else said, I lost a great deal of weight at first (around 20 pounds). The side effects were bad at first, and I switched to Glucophage but after a while I went back to metformin and had no trouble. The weight-loss is secondary, though. The best part of taking metformin has been the way I feel. I don't carb-crave like I used to, and I don't get the shakes after I eat. My periods used to be sporadic at best, whereas now you can set your watch by them. I highly recommend that you stay in regular contact with your endo, and be patient with the process. "What the mind believes, the body will achieve." metformin didn't really help me lose weight either (sometimes the side effects did though-but that was NOT pleasant!) I'm now on Byetta as well, and I'm losing but VERY slowly, I feel like with PCOS it is just determination and good choices that'll do anything, even when coupled with these drugs.(apparently byetta helps diabetics lose loads of weight) I've gained weight since starting metformin. It could be in part to the bcp they started at the same time but I've been off the pill for over a month now and my weight has just stayed at where I gained to. Metformin is not a miracle weight loss drug for everyone. 8/9/09 - 20k 2:23:08 [strained my thigh muscle] I just started metaformin friday night and I was wondering how long it took any of you to feel better or start losing weight? Also did it seem to make the weight loss easier? I can workout and eat good for a week and the scale won't move an inch! Thanks! I am still losing weight, of course not as quickly but we will see at the end of the week. It definitely makes you aware of what you are eating, because you don't want to hav Continue reading >>
Just Been Told Reactive Hypoglycemia
Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community Hodge1960 Reactive hypoglycemia Well-Known Member Hi, I have been told today that I will be taking Metformin for reactive hypoglycemia. I may sound crazy but this is a bit of a shock Don't worry, there are a few of us here with RH, and we have our own sub-board on the forum, So have a read, and ask anything you like. It IS a shock, but almost all of us have found that diet is the key, and most of us manage extremely well, virtually eliminating our hypos, and eating WELL, so please, come and join us. Hi, I have been told today that I will be taking Metformin for reactive hypoglycemia. I may sound crazy but this is a bit of a shock Hi, as Brun says have a look around and learn how to control RH! If you can understand what is happening, then you can get your head around how your life will improve with just dietary changes. I would also question the need for metformin. As my endocrinologist and doctor immediately stopped them because of the hypos. Have you an endocrinologist, if not have you been referred? It's important to get specialist help, even though we will help you. Ask away, it's good to have you in our unique club Hodge1960 Reactive hypoglycemia Well-Known Member i saw the Endocrinologist at the hospital , it was he who said i should take the Metformin... thanks for your kind words. |I will try not to be a pest with questions, thanks for the links too.x I want you to become a pest, because that way you can learn how to control your RH. The only stupid question is the one not asked. Kaz261 Reactive hypoglycemia Well-Known Member i saw the Endocrinologist at the hospital , it was he who said i should take the Metformin... thanks for your kind word Continue reading >>
Metformin (oral Route)
Precautions Drug information provided by: Micromedex It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks that you take this medicine. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. This medicine may interact with the dye used for an X-ray or CT scan. Your doctor should advise you to stop taking it before you have any medical exams or diagnostic tests that might cause less urine output than usual. You may be advised to start taking the medicine again 48 hours after the exams or tests if your kidney function is tested and found to be normal. Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests. It is very important to carefully follow any instructions from your health care team about: Alcohol—Drinking alcohol may cause severe low blood sugar. Discuss this with your health care team. Other medicines—Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes nonprescription medicines such as aspirin, and medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems. Counseling—Other family members need to learn how to prevent side effects or help with side effects if they occur. Also, patients with diabetes may need special counseling about diabetes medicine dosing changes that might occur with lifestyle changes, such as changes in exercise or diet. Counseling on birth control and pregnancy may be needed because of the problems that can occur in pregnancy for patients with diabetes. Travel—Keep a recent prescription and your medical history with you. Be prepared for an emergency as you would norm Continue reading >>
Side Effects Of Metformin: What You Should Know
Metformin is a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called biguanides. People with type 2 diabetes have blood sugar (glucose) levels that rise higher than normal. Metformin doesn’t cure diabetes. Instead, it helps lower your blood sugar levels to a safe range. Metformin needs to be taken long-term. This may make you wonder what side effects it can cause. Metformin can cause mild and serious side effects, which are the same in men and women. Here’s what you need to know about these side effects and when you should call your doctor. Find out: Can metformin be used to treat type 1 diabetes? » Metformin causes some common side effects. These can occur when you first start taking metformin, but usually go away over time. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or cause a problem for you. The more common side effects of metformin include: heartburn stomach pain nausea or vomiting bloating gas diarrhea constipation weight loss headache unpleasant metallic taste in mouth Lactic acidosis The most serious side effect metformin can cause is lactic acidosis. In fact, metformin has a boxed warning about this risk. A boxed warning is the most severe warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious problem that can occur due to a buildup of metformin in your body. It’s a medical emergency that must be treated right away in the hospital. See Precautions for factors that raise your risk of lactic acidosis. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis. If you have trouble breathing, call 911 right away or go to the nearest emergency room. extreme tiredness weakness decreased appetite nausea vomiting trouble breathing dizziness lighthea Continue reading >>
Metformin. What Do You Need To Know?
What is type 2 diabetes? People with diabetes are not able to make enough insulin and/or respond normally to the insulin their body does make. When this happens, sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood. This can lead to serious medical problems including kidney damage, amputations and blindness. Diabetes is also closely linked to heart disease. The main goal of treating diabetes is to lower the level of your blood sugar as close to normal as possible. How is type 2 diabetes usually controlled? High blood sugar can be lowered by diet and exercise, by a number of oral medications and by insulin injections. Before taking biguanidas (metformin hydrochloride tablets) you should first try to control your diabetes by exercise and weight loss. Even if you are taking biguanidas, you should still exercise and follow the diet recommended for your diabetes. Does Metformin work differently from other glucose-control medications? Yes it does. Until Metformin was introduced, al¡ the available oral glucose-control medications were from the same chemical group called sulfonylureas. These drugs lower blood sugar primarily by causing more of the body's own insulin to be released. Metformin lowers the amount of sugar in your blood by helping your body respond better to its own insulin. Metformin (metformin hydrochloride tablets) does not cause your body to produce more insulin. Therefore, Metformin rarely causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and it doesn't usually cause weight gain. What happens if my blood sugar is still too high? When blood sugar cannot be lowered enough by either Metformin or a sulfonylurea, the two medications may be effective taken together. However, if you are unable to maintain your blood sugar with diet, exercise and glucose-control medication taken orally, then y Continue reading >>
Metformin
A popular oral drug for treating Type 2 diabetes. Metformin (brand name Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet) is a member of a class of drugs called biguanides that helps lower blood glucose levels by improving the way the body handles insulin — namely, by preventing the liver from making excess glucose and by making muscle and fat cells more sensitive to available insulin. Metformin not only lowers blood glucose levels, which in the long term reduces the risk of diabetic complications, but it also lowers blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and does not cause weight gain the way insulin and some other oral blood-glucose-lowering drugs do. Overweight, high cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels all increase the risk of developing heart disease, the leading cause of death in people with Type 2 diabetes. Another advantage of metformin is that it does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) when it is the only diabetes medicine taken. Metformin is typically taken two to three times a day, with meals. The extended-release formula (Glucophage XR) is taken once a day, with the evening meal. The most common side effects of metformin are nausea and diarrhea, which usually go away over time. A more serious side effect is a rare but potentially fatal condition called lactic acidosis, in which dangerously high levels of lactic acid build up in the bloodstream. Lactic acidosis is most likely to occur in people with kidney disease, liver disease, or congestive heart failure, or in those who drink alcohol regularly. (If you have more than four alcoholic drinks a week, metformin may not be the best medicine for you.) Unfortunately, many doctors ignore these contraindications (conditions that make a particular treatment inadvisable) and prescribe metformin to people Continue reading >>
Fortamet Side Effects Center
Fortamet (metformin hydrochloride) is an oral diabetes medicine for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Metformin is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes. Fortamet is available in generic form. Common side effects of Fortamet include headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset or pain, diarrhea, gas, weakness, or a metallic taste in the mouth. Fortamet does not usually cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Low blood sugar may occur if Fortamet is prescribed with other anti-diabetic medications. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Fortamet including shortness of breath, swelling or rapid weight gain, fever, body aches, or flu symptoms. Fortamet should be taken once daily. Dosage is individualized based on effectiveness and tolerance. The maximum recommended daily dose is 2500 mg. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may result if you take Fortamet with drugs that raise blood sugar, such as: isoniazid, diuretics (water pills), steroids, phenothiazines, thyroid medicine, birth control pills and other hormones, seizure medicines, and diet pills, or medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may result if you take Fortamet with drugs that lower blood sugar, such as: alcohol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin or other salicylates, sulfa drugs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), beta-blockers, or probenecid. It may also interact with furosemide, nifedipine, cimetidine or ranitidine, amiloride or triamterene, digoxin, morphine, procainamide, quinidine, trimethoprim, or Continue reading >>
Metformin, Sulfonylureas, Or Other Antidiabetes Drugs And The Risk Of Lactic Acidosis Or Hypoglycemia
Metformin, Sulfonylureas, or Other Antidiabetes Drugs and the Risk of Lactic Acidosis or Hypoglycemia 3Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Lexington, Massachusetts 4Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Massachusetts 3Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Lexington, Massachusetts 4Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Massachusetts 5Basel Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland 1Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland 2Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland 3Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Lexington, Massachusetts 4Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Massachusetts 5Basel Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland Corresponding author: Christoph R. Meier, [email protected] Received 2008 Jun 27; Accepted 2008 Aug 10. Copyright 2008, American Diabetes Association Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered. See for details. This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. OBJECTIVELactic acidosis has been associated with use of metformin. Hypoglycemia is a major concern using sulfonylureas. The aim of this study was to compare the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia among patients with type 2 diabetes using oral antidiabetes drugs. RESEAR Continue reading >>
Metformin And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Each of the following statements about metformin as a treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus is true except: It lowers hemoglobin AIc concentrations by 1.0% to 1.5%. It is not associated with weight gain. When metformin is used as monotherapy, hypoglycemia is a serious side effect. It has been shown to reduce all-cause mortality. Source: Cheng AY, Fantus IG. Oral antihyperglycemic therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus. CMAJ 2005;172:213-26. This question is based on Question 32, Metformin and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Self Learning 2005;20(4):38-9. Published 6 times yearly, each issue of Self Learning contains a blend of questions from a range of peer-reviewed medical journals. College of Family Physicians of Canada members who subscribe to the Self Learning program may claim up to 5 Mainpro-M1 credits for each completed issue and up to 30 Mainpro-M1 credits for each year in which they subscribe. For further information please visit the College of Family Physicians of Canada website, which includes information on free trials of the on-line program, at Go to: The incorrect statement is: 3. When metformin is used as monotherapy, hypoglycemia is a serious side effect. Metformin lowers blood glucose among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus largely by decreasing hepatic glucose output. It is also thought to increase glucose uptake by skeletal muscle. It is not protein bound and has maximum accumulation in the small intestine wall. It is excreted unmodified by the kidney. In placebo-controlled trials, metformin lowered hemoglobin AIc concentrations by 1.0% to 1.5%. The efficacy of metformin monotherapy is equivalent to that of sulfonylurea monotherapy. It is associated with weight loss or at least no weight gain. Improvements in lipid profiles have also been noted. The Uni Continue reading >>
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Hypos While On Metformin?
Gap, I am confused. As a T1, the met would not have lowered your bgs. Insulin is needed when diagnosed or severe DKA would set in. What testing did you have to show that you are T1? Sorry for the questions, just need to get this straight in my mind. Doctor's are happy, but I'm not. Working to get it a bit lower. D.D. Family Getting much harder to control I would say its very rare to have a hypo on metformin. People can get hypos and not be on meds its just one of those things that can happen. I found out today the the hospital my wife has worked at for 32 yrs considers bs from 65 to 99 as normal some would not agree with that number so go figure. I had a GAD 65 antibody test the lab said normal was under 1 and I was at 30 and another that said I have antibodies forgot what test it was also had a c-petide first time I was at 2.71 next time was at 1.12 ( still in the honeymoon phase) the diabetes educator said that very early on if some one is given oral meds the pancreas will produce insulin for a very short time then slowly die this is what happened for me. A1C December 6= 8.1 put on MDI Pumping Madtronic 4-4-13 the diabetes educator said that very early on if some one is given oral meds the pancreas will produce insulin for a very short time then slowly die this is what happened for me. To the best of my knowledge, this is true for some medicines but not for Metformin, which does not stimulate pancreas to produce more insulin. Your diabetes educator seems to be giving partially correct information which could be more harmful. Lactic Acidosis is very rare but comes on almost immediately and has many symptoms. You get extremely sick, overly tired, etc. It is more than an occasional hypo. Hypos are usually caused by reactive hypoglycemia which is caused by too much Insul Continue reading >>
Hypoglycemia
Glucose is a chief energy source for cells throughout the body. However, too much or too little of it can cause serious adverse consequences (Berber 2013; Shrayyef 2010). Despite the rampant, interrelated epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes, most Americans remain regrettably unaware of the long-term damage from chronically elevated glucose levels, also called hyperglycemia. Conditions like kidney damage, nerve damage, and often irreparable damage to the eyes that result from continuously elevated glucose take time to manifest (Campos 2012). However, even less well-appreciated than the long-term risks due to chronically elevated blood sugar is that very low blood sugar, termed hypoglycemia, can cause significant, acute, life-threatening consequences if not treated immediately (Berber 2013). Blood sugar levels at or below 40 mg/dL characterize severe hypoglycemia (Desouza 2010; Tsai 2011; Carey 2013; Lacherade 2009). Low blood sugar levels in this range can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from weakness, sweating, fast heart rate, and tremors to confusion, irritability, or in severe cases, even coma and death (Sprague 2011; Berber 2013; McCrimmon 2012). With overly aggressive pharmaceutical treatment, patients with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, are at risk for episodes of severe hypoglycemia. For type 1 diabetics, hypoglycemia can result from overtreatment with injectable insulin (Cryer 2010). In fact, hypoglycemia represents a serious barrier to successful management of type 1 diabetes; about 2-4% of acute death among type 1 diabetics are likely caused by hypoglycemia (Briscoe 2006; Cryer 2008). Type 2 diabetics can also develop hypoglycemia as a result of overtreatment with glucose-lowering drugs, in particular the class of drugs known as sulfonylureas (Kalra Continue reading >>
