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The Question
09/19/09 12:36 PM

"My wife has decided to stop taking metformin. what is the danger in this?"
Asked By: scando322  
Category: Oral Medications

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Expert Answers (1)

09/25/09 08:54 PM

Hello,

Thanks for bringing your question to dLife.

You wife is fortunate that you are looking out for her.

Metformin is an oral medicine for lowering blood glucose (sugar) levels. This medicine can initially cause some symptoms. These symptoms may even prevents people from continuing with its use.

We usually start with a very low dosage and gradually increase it as needed. This way, patients can get used to the new medicine. Over time, most patients find that the symptoms lessens or go away completely.

Without the metformin, how has your wife's blood glucose control been? I recommend that she talk with her doctor about going off her medicine and explore alternative treatment for controlling her blood glucose.

The goal for people with diabetes is to achieve good blood glucose control. To do so, it takes lifestyle change (meal and exercise plan) and medication, if necessary.

Take care.

Answered By: Liz Quintana
Accreditations: EdD, RD, LD, CDE
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Community Answers (3)

10/01/09 03:50 PM

Hi Steve not sure if you are aware of this but many diabetics have heart attacks and that is how they are dx a diabetic. Diabetics are prone to get heart attacks its part of the problems with this disease. So by getting one in order the other should follow.
Answered By: furball64801
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09/26/09 09:05 AM

Thank you for your answer. Fortunately - this was a one day "mood swing". She missed taking it one day - and her BS appeared to be unaffected. So she said she was going to stop - but then resumed the next day. So we're back on track now. She was just diagnosed on Aug 24 - at which time she also had a heart attack. This is all new to us - so we have a ways to go. Her BS is currently hovering around 150 - so i suspect that when her A1C ic checked in another couple months - they may up the dosage of Metformin (currently at 500mg). She is a very good cook - but between the diabetes and the heart attack - it has taken all of the flavor out of her favorite meals. We're learning alternatives - but it takes a while and is a challenge with the 2 issues. Thanks again, Steve
Answered By: scando322
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09/25/09 07:54 PM

Much of that depends on what her bs readings are. What was the reason she stopped and obviously the doctor doesnt know. If her bs are high it can be very damaging to her in the long run, I am a prime example of not getting my bs down. If she stopped taking metformin because of the side affects there are many other meds she needs to talk to her doctor.
Answered By: furball64801
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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