Glucophage dosage level and carbs

StarMaiden · 11-16-2003, 06:50 PM

I'm currently taking 1000mg Glucophage XR. I'm going to stop in and see the doc for a checkup tomorrow, and I want to ask him if I can try increasing to 1500. I'd like to get even better control over my glucose levels, and some of what I have read suggests that in diabetics, there really isn't any clinical different seen in doses under 1500 mg.

Now, granted, I'm an individual, so my results may be different, and my dosage so far at 1000 mg may be making a big difference for me, but I'd like to try to do even better.

My question is about carb tolerance and Gluc. I haven't had any side effects thus far, but I notice a lot of you talking about have severe diarrhea when you take met/gluc, if you eat a substantial amounts of carbs. Does it seem like this is a worse side effect at higher doses? Does a higher dose mean I might need to eat even fewer carbs per meal? I wouldn't be happy with that. I'm down to between 30-40 carbs per meal, and I know that I won't be happy adjusting that downward any farther. What do you guys think?

-thorn- · 11-16-2003, 08:17 PM

30-40 per meal is 90-120 per day. that is very low carb already.

my mom is type II diabetic, and her original allowance of carbs per day was 140 (on a 1200 cal diet) now she has been raised to an 1800 cal diet and it's 190g of carbs per day.

so I think you should be ok.

nobimbo · 11-16-2003, 09:11 PM

During my first year and a half on Met, I was not restricting carbs at all (but I was staying within my allotted Weight Watcher points), and I didn't have any side effects. Many women do notice more side effects with high carb meals, but YMMV.

Linda

SheriKCMO · 11-17-2003, 01:56 AM

The side effects are really individual issues. Some cysters increase a little bit on their dose and spend all of their time in the bathroom. Some might see no difference. I'll bet you're right about diabetics seeing a better result with at least 1500mg. It's worth asking the doc about, or some might suggest adding another med instead, like Avandia or Actos. Some see better glucose control with a combo.
I have to toot the low carb horn for a second. It has made a huge difference in my symptoms and hormones to go lower carb than what you are eating. The rewards are worth the change for me and a lot of gals, but you are entitled to see a different side of things. My meals are probably limited to about 12-20 carbs, mostly from non-starchy veggies or low glycemic fruits or nuts. My sugar stays stable, and I'm sure my insulin level remains low and stable too. I will always suggest that it's worth a try.

Best of luck with the doc,
Sheri

StarMaiden · 11-17-2003, 02:43 PM

Thanks, all, I did see the doc this morning, and he gave me the go-ahead to increase to 1500 a day, so I'll see how that does for me for a few months. I've had great results so far and my glucose levels overall seem to be averaging 117 throughout the day, but my fasting levels are also averaging about 112, and I'd like to bring that down. Cross your fingers that my digestive system tolerates the increase. ( And shhhhhhhhh, don't tell my doc, but I starting taking 1500 last Thursday, anyway, feeling pretty confident that he would approve, and I have done OK so far!)

Sheri, I appreciate your viewpoint of the low-carbing. And over the past three months, I've seen how it does contribute to weigh loss and glucose control.

I'm not as interested in controlling my hormones and the PCOS symptoms, as I am in long term glucose level control and weight loss, and I need to find a system that can work for the rest of my life. I can't go any lower carb-wise, and be happy or healthy on it for the rest of my life, and I'm now in the age group where I have to pay very close attention particularly to lipid levels. So I am concerned that going lower in carbs can push me into a higher fat level than I am interested in at this point. I also enjoy cooking tremendously, especially baking, and I'm going to want to keep a moderate level of carbs in my life. An even a higher level than what I am currently getting, is a major major improvement over the amount of carbs I was eating before I started this project! Surely I must have been eating over 300 carbs a day!

The doc did say that I can continue to experiment with the glucophage level, and as long as I continue to lose weight at 1-2 pounds a week and continue to exercise faithfully, that the increased glucophage dosage will allow me to have a less severely carb restricted plan.

Then, my secondary concern, the overall homonal balance and PCOS symptoms, will hopefully be improved as well as a result of weight loss.

You are right, we all need to assess what our individual goals and needs are.

I really appreciate all the input............this forum is a lifesaver!

Juliekaboolie · 11-17-2003, 03:25 PM

Sounds like you have a good plan and it's good to know yourself. I am similiar to you: I can't go any lower than around 100g of carbs of day because I am simply not happy... I feel deprived. 100g of carbs a day (approx) is not excessive if you are combing that with exercise and plenty of water and vitamins, imo. Keep up the great work. I'm glad you aren't having any side effects on the 1500mg of met... I never did either.

christyz · 11-17-2003, 03:46 PM

Quote:

I'm not as interested in controlling my hormones and the PCOS symptoms, as I am in long term glucose level control and weight loss

The unfortunate part though is, that your glucose and weight may not improve unless you get your hormones under control, not the other way around. My blood sugars were really bizarre and I couldn't get weight off until I ate and exercised to control my hormones. My Dr's just harped on me to lose the weight, but I found out that until my hormones were regulated, my weight was treating the SYMPTOM not the problem. Control the hormones and the weight/blood sugar will inevitably take care of themselves.

Good luck!

StarMaiden · 11-17-2003, 03:53 PM

Hi, Christy!

I guess we're sorta looking for the same goal, and expressing it differently! Especially since I think I was implying that I am less interested in seeing any "reproductive" hormones balance immediately. I want my metabolic hormones (insulin and glucogon) to get straightened out, and hope that in so doing, the "reproductive" ones will follow. Does that make sense?

Work on the insulin resistance, through meds, diet and exercise, then see glucose and weight improve, then see estrogens, progesterones, androgens, and other assorted "reproductive" hormones come into correct balance? Am I understanding that sequence correctly?