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The Question
10/14/09 10:30 PM

"should I change manner of taking metroforminxl and Actos. I take four 500 mg metroformin and 1 35 mg Actos /day"
Asked By: laceyg  
Category: Oral Medications

Background Info Hide
diagnosed june 1986 and was placed on 1 small clucotrol. finally graduated to 4 metroformin xl and 1 35 mg Actos per day. and two years ago they added 22 units of Lantus per day . Two months ago I began a non meat diet Only fish and vegatables and fruit. I also began running everyday and after one month stopped my Lantus injections. I have changed the manner of taking metroformin I am taking the actos in the morning and the metroformin xl with the evening meal. I am a 5'8" 66 yr, male and have lost from 185lbs down to 162 lbs. my goal is to get to 145 lbs and hopefully be off meds. My doctor said I could not make it off insulin but I have. I do look scrawny though but do not care if it will get me medicine free.

Expert Answers (1)

10/27/09 05:20 PM

Hello laceyg
I commend you on your dedication to control your diabetes with diet and exercise. This is an important part of self-management of your disease. You have already seen the benefit of your hard work by not needing the Lantus at this time. I do want to add some caution to your self-management plan. Be sure you are in good partnership with your provider so your labs and medication needs can be monitored. You need protein for healing and good muscle strength. As long as your kidneys are working normally, you should have some source of protein in your diet. Protein does not have to be from meat, it can be from beans and rice. They should be eaten at the same time to provide all the needed amino acids to make up a complete protein molecule. Beans are a great source of fiber. Try to eat brown rice which is also a much better choice because of high fiber and low glucemic index. Look for great recipes on dLife!

Right now, at your current weight of 162 lbs, your BMI is 24.6% . At your goal weight of 145 Lbs, your BMI will be 22 % . Both these body mass index values are within normal range.

I always feel I need to educate patients that diabetes is a progress disease and even with the best of care and strict exercise and strict diet, you may need more medications as time goes by, including insulin. The important thing is to keep you glucose levels within a target range and keep your HgA1c at 7% or less to delay or prevent the complications that poor control will expedite. You are on the right track.

As for taking your Metformin XL at night and taking your Actos in the AM--- As long as you are consistent, this should be OK.

Answered By: Rita Juray
Accreditations: RN, MLT-ASCP, CCM, CDE
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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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