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Suggest The Ideal Dosage For Metformin Taken For Borderline Pre-diabetes
Question: I am 65 years old, male in generally good health. I am contacting you about borderline prediabetic with A1c of 6.0. My doctor thinks I can take some metformin. My questions are: 1) What is the lowest dosage I can take. 2) Can I take say 100 mg three times a week when I am eating heavy foods. 3) Can there be any negative consequences by taking it only say twice a week. 4) When is the best time to take it - before or during or after a heavy meal. I am also interested in the longevity benefits of metformin. Thanks. Rama
Brief Answer:
Needs fbs ppbs
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr Mittal. I have read your message. I think I can help you.
First, the medicine can be taken at a lowest dose of 350 mg.
Second the medicine I would suggest should be given once a day only.
Third, it would not be advisable to take the tablet twice a week. That will be useless.
Fourth, best time to take it is before meal.
There is a mild benefit. It also helps weight reduction. Therefore, in combination with statins, it can reduce the cardiac risk.
I would also recommend testing fasting and pp blood sugar before starting the medicine.
I also recommend a trial with strict diet with no sweets and sugar restriction for a month followed by another Hba1c before starting the medicine. If Hba1c reduces to normal levels on diet control , the initiation of the tablet can be postponed.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.
Needs fbs ppbs
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr Mittal. I have read your message. I think I can help you.
First, the medicine can be taken at a lowest dose of 350 mg.
Second the medicine I would suggest should be given once a day only.
Third, it would not be advisable to take the tablet twice a week. That will be useless.
Fourth, best time to take it is before meal.
There is a mild benefit. It also helps weight reduction. Therefore, in combination with statins, it can reduce the cardiac risk.
I would also recommend testing fasting and pp blood sugar before starting the medicine.
I also recommend a trial with strict diet with no sweets and sugar restriction for a month followed by another Hba1c before starting the medicine. If Hba1c reduces to normal levels on diet control , the initiation of the tablet can be postponed.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Dr Mittal for your response. 1) Can I take only half the 350 mg pill by cutting it? 2) Is there any negative effect of taking the pill only twice a week. 3) With diet control etc. A1c is 5.5. Is it OK to still take some Metformin for longevity benefit. Overall I want to know the negative consequences of taking Metformin for healthy people. Thanks. Rama
Brief Answer:
Specific information
Detailed Answer:
Hi
The minimum recommended dose is 350. So I won't suggest cutting it to half.
The problem with taking the medicine twice a week is that it will not be effective at all.
If diet control gives 5.5 I would suggest diet only.
While the benefits are there, they are primarily for diabetics . every medicine has a side effect and metformin is no different. It can cause renal problems and hypoglycemia. I won't suggest the medicine till actually needed.
Best of luck. Dr Mittal
Specific information
Detailed Answer:
Hi
The minimum recommended dose is 350. So I won't suggest cutting it to half.
The problem with taking the medicine twice a week is that it will not be effective at all.
If diet control gives 5.5 I would suggest diet only.
While the benefits are there, they are primarily for diabetics . every medicine has a side effect and metformin is no different. It can cause renal problems and hypoglycemia. I won't suggest the medicine till actually needed.
Best of luck. Dr Mittal
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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