Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Long Does Metformin Take To Lower Blood Sugar?
Question: How long does it take metformin to start lowering blood sugar
Brief Answer:
can sometimes take a few weeks for maximum response
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Metformin works by stopping the liver production of glucose, reducing the absorption of glucose from the intestine and improving the body's ability to use the glucose that is present (so it is used up not stored).
It has also been shown to help in preventing the growth of cancer.
The peak levels (highest levels in the body) occur after 2 to 4 hours of taking medication but with all medications that need to be taken to control chronic illnesses such as diabetes, a steady level of medication needs to be reached in the body for a maximum response
This can sometimes take up to 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use
This means that though there may be a slight decrease within the first 24 hours, the changes continue over then next few weeks.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
can sometimes take a few weeks for maximum response
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Metformin works by stopping the liver production of glucose, reducing the absorption of glucose from the intestine and improving the body's ability to use the glucose that is present (so it is used up not stored).
It has also been shown to help in preventing the growth of cancer.
The peak levels (highest levels in the body) occur after 2 to 4 hours of taking medication but with all medications that need to be taken to control chronic illnesses such as diabetes, a steady level of medication needs to be reached in the body for a maximum response
This can sometimes take up to 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use
This means that though there may be a slight decrease within the first 24 hours, the changes continue over then next few weeks.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I just started taking metformin 2 days ago the next day i had burning in my bladder is that common ?
Brief Answer:
this is not a known side effect
Detailed Answer:
HI
No, this is not common and may not necessarily be linked to the metformin though everyone reacts differently to medication
Metformin is most usually related to gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
you may want to consider a urine test at your doctor's office to see if an infection is present, this would cause burning
this is not a known side effect
Detailed Answer:
HI
No, this is not common and may not necessarily be linked to the metformin though everyone reacts differently to medication
Metformin is most usually related to gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
you may want to consider a urine test at your doctor's office to see if an infection is present, this would cause burning
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
In a non diabetic how high does 15 grams of carbohydrates raise thier sugar level in one hour after eating ? I know if a person is normal it will go down after a hour
Brief Answer:
less than 140 w hours after a meal
Detailed Answer:
HI
There are readings for 2 hours after eating not at one hour at the present moment. At 2 hours, in a NON diabetic, the goal is less than 140. Less than 140 after 2 hours is a normal post meal reading
The response to the use of carbohydrates varies even among diabetics, this is the reason that diabetics on insulin should work out their own response levels. Diabetics spend 3 to 5 days (sometimes longer), monitoring blood sugar after each meal, noting the contents of the meal, to find out how their blood sugars go up with 15g. It is individual and is done in those on insulin not oral medication
Normally non diabetics would not test blood sugar reading but as a non diabetic they would have a rapid response to carbohydrate ingestion.
less than 140 w hours after a meal
Detailed Answer:
HI
There are readings for 2 hours after eating not at one hour at the present moment. At 2 hours, in a NON diabetic, the goal is less than 140. Less than 140 after 2 hours is a normal post meal reading
The response to the use of carbohydrates varies even among diabetics, this is the reason that diabetics on insulin should work out their own response levels. Diabetics spend 3 to 5 days (sometimes longer), monitoring blood sugar after each meal, noting the contents of the meal, to find out how their blood sugars go up with 15g. It is individual and is done in those on insulin not oral medication
Normally non diabetics would not test blood sugar reading but as a non diabetic they would have a rapid response to carbohydrate ingestion.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
