Need suggestions, opinions, advice

amayzd · 12-10-2005, 02:51 AM

Hi, I have PCOS w/IR and take 1000mg of met daily. I excercise and follow IR diet. I've had normal b/g for the last month. I haven't felt well the last few days and some of my reading have been a little higher than norm but still w/in acceptable range. I know illness can raise b/g but today I had a b/g reading of 245 after having an apple and 1 ounce of nuts??? I only took my b/g because I was having vision problems and didn't feel well. (DH's suggestion) Does anyone else have squeezing pain in arms and legs? Thanks.

nobimbo · 12-10-2005, 01:03 PM

I have seen muscle soreness and/or muscle cramps mentioned by some users of Met, especially when first starting it, on this board and on the net. Here is a possible explanation for it:

Recent research suggests that Metformin may stimulate glucose uptake by muscles and inhibit glucose production by the liver by activating an enzyme, AMP-activated protein kinase which is present in muscle, liver, and heart cells. This enzyme is usually activated when exercise has burnt off cellular energy stores. So in a way, Metformin seems to trick the body into thinking it has exercised. This may be why it causes a small amount of weight loss and also results in elevated levels of lactate--the substance that makes your muscles ache the day after an exercise session.

You probably already know there is a very rare condition called lactic acidosis that can be a consequence of Met, which causes severe weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain. This happens when the kidneys aren't working well to begin with, because Met is cleared through the kidneys. If too much Met builds up in the body because the kidneys aren't functioning well enough to clear it, then too much lactic acid can build up. But this is very rare, and as long as your doctor did the appropriate blood tests before starting you on Met, that shouldn't be a concern.

Drinking lots of water to avoid dehydration, and taking potassium supplements, may help. Many people find that the muscle soreness/cramps decreases or goes away over time.

As far as your blood sugar question, did you repeat the test to make sure that was an accurate reading? False readings are so common with home blood glucose meters, and can be a result of something as simple as not washing your hands first or not getting a sufficient drop of blood. Also, did you wait at least two hours after eating before taking it?

Linda

amayzd · 12-11-2005, 07:19 AM

Hi Linda, I noticed you have diabetes so I'm glad you responded. I did do a second test and a control test on the meter. I was only seven points lower and the control test was accurate. I was concerned with the reading because I was having a headache and some vision problems...the vision problems were making me nauseated and my dh suggested I take a reading. I was alarmed at how high it was(245) because the hightest reading I ever had was 145. I have noticed that if I don't have enough carbs in my day it will swing to the high side?? A little contradictory to PCOS and limiting carbs??? I will be calling my Dr on Mon as I've also experienced problems w/crushing chest pain and pain in my arms and legs. Thanks for your help.