Glucophage?

Question

Doctor put me on Glucophage about 6 days ago, since then my sugar levels have come down from 400 to about 290 which is still obviously high. Anyone have any idea how long it takes for it to get your levels around normal? Days. weeks, months?

Answer 1

Each person is different. It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months to get it into your system. Just watch you diet, exercise and follow the doctors orders. You've made amazing progress.

I too take Glucophage. It's done wonders for me. However, my crazy doctor notice my numbers went up and without asking any questions, doubled my dose. I got myself back on schedule and took the double dose as she suggested and my numbers skyrocketed. They went crazy. I'd wake up close to 200. I asked for another doctor and told her what happened. She said she should have asked me why my numbers changed to begin with. I was actually storing sugars because of the increased meds. As soon as I went back to my normal dosage, they went back down. Proper diet and exercise are so important. If you change anything in your routine or diet, including vitamins, make sure the doc knows before allowing them to change meds or anything. It almost cost me.

Good luck and keep up the good work!!

Answer 2

You must realize that being diagnosed as a diabetic means that there must be lifestyle changes made before any significant impact on your condition. Moreover, pills are only a temporary solution effection only your blood glucose level for a short duration. I currently take two pills for my diabetes, metformin and actos. However, I also have to take insulin as well to really get the glucose down to reasonable levels. While the pills help; insulin works. I've been taking pills for 13 years and made a slow progression toward insulin. The most effective solution I have made was a radical change in lifestyle once I started insulin therapy. Now, my challenge is to get and keep my HbA1c in the fives. So far I have managed to get it down to 6.2. But, it's an ongoing struggle I hope to win and maintain.

Glucophage (metformin) will start working about one hour after you take it. There is no days, weeks or months. To get down to good blood glucose levels, consider "Carb counting." I learnt that carbs have the most significant impact on my sugar level. As a result, I try to avoid bread and bread products. It causes BGs in the 200+. If you still have high BGs, then you may have to add additional meds such as Actos and/or others. There are many.

Assuming that you are just starting out on your diabetic journey, I would suggest that you read Dr. R. Bernstein's "A Diabetic Solution" - an Engineer turned MD. It made a lot of sense to me. Additionally, you can go to www.mendosa.com for more info on lots of diabetic stuff, meds, pumps, devices and advice.

Good luck.

Answer 3

It took my blood sugar ( I am also on glucophage) about 3 - 4 weeks to actually come down to 70 - 100. I stayed at around 200 up to that point. Just keep taking it, and for goodness sake, eat less carby foods.

Answer 4

I`m a type 2 diabetic and been one since 1993
i started out with micronese 1 pill a day im now taking glucophage glucotrol avendia and one shot of 60 units of lantus a night plus zocor and aspirin and metoprolol
please excersise and do what the doctor tells you so your levels go down
you are off to a good start...i did so good when i first found out but the longer you're a diabetic the harder it seems and insulin makes you gain a ton of weight

Answer 5

I'm on metiforum which is the generic for glucophage i take 2 at night 1000mgs a day. i started off with once a day but was not bringing my level down finally started on 2 after a month, after that it took about 2 weeks for my sugar to level out. how much are you taking. don't be surprised if your doc changes your meds or adds one. my doc add another med but i couldn't take it because it has sulfur in it I'm allergic. follow your diet and try to exercise like your suppose to.

Answer 6

It really depends on your diet/exercise program and your weight. With me, it took less than a week. If you really want to get the most benefit from diet and exercise, you should read this:

For type I and type II diabetics (and those who could potentially become diabetic)...

I've found a wonderful book that will help you control your diabetes and minimize or even eliminate the complications. Some folks who became diabetic due to poor diet and obesity are effectively cured by following the advice in this book. I'm a type II (inherited), but it helps all types, especially those who became diabetic due to poor eating habits. It's by an author who has really done his homework, Patrick Quillin, Phd. It's called, "The Diabetes Improvement Program". I have tried his suggestions and found them to be very helpful. I have no complications whatsoever and my blood sugar levels are quite stable. Yes, I still have to take Metformin (Glucophage) daily, but it's the minimum dosage (500mg) and I only have to take it twice a day. I have been off Metformin for as much as a week, but this was with vigorous exercise. Many, what I call, non-hereditary type IIs (those that don't have a close relative who had it) have gotten off medication completely, just with diet, exercise, and supplements. So, in some instances, it most certainly can be 'effectively' cured. Read more about it here:
http://www.diabetesimprovement.com/


The book explains what's going on in our system and what to do about it. It's really easy and inexpensive. It's basically diet, supplements and exercise. For example, did you know that cinnamon helps blood sugar absorption? It also controls cholesterol and triglycerides. This is according to the USDA:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb/fnrb0104.htm#pinch

For men: Are you suffering from erectile dysfunction? I was. Yes, WAS. Now that everything's under control, I'm able to have nearly normal sex again. I've also put together a little webpage highlighting some of the things I've learned here:
http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/Type_II_Diabetes.html

Here's another great health site with all kinds of general health information:
http://www.chetday.com

Answer 7

Glad you're making progress, and I hope you sugar continues to improve. Give yourself a good month, month and a half. Also, don't be surprised if maybe your doctor switches your meds to fit your needs. My husband started on glucophage, but got really bad leg cramps. Now he takes avandament and it has been working well. Good Luck to you!

Answer 8

I also take Glucophage, and it wasn't enought so also take 5mg of glipizide, you have to be careful as sometimes your sugar will bottom out, give it a few weeks and see if it drops any lower, if not talk to your doctor.

Answer 9

Glucophage is the American name for Metformin.

Check the following page for a fuller description of the drug, it's uses, side-effects, how to use it properly, etc.

http://www.drugs.com/cons/glucophage_systemic.html

Answer 10

It takes a good 4-6 weeks for it to level out.

Then again all depends on if you are WATCHING what you are EATING!!!

http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp