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What Causes Numbness Around Body And Rapid Weight Gain After Taking Glucophage?

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Posted on Fri, 18 Dec 2015
Question: i ve been diagnosed with pre diabetic and been subscribed glucophase but have not taken it as it was making me very ill after 2 days i ve gained 14 kg in the last 2 months since being diagnosed and i feel numbness around my body is that normal
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not normal

Detailed Answer:
Very sorry to note your weight gain and numbness.

Glucophage (Metformin) is sometimes prescribed to people with pre diabetes.However it makes some people sick ie upto 10% of individuals taking metformin are unable to tolerate it owing to difficulty adjusting to it.

It is best to avoid it for couple weeks. Then speak with your endocrinologist to see if starting low and going slow will help. For example I have my patients start with a low dose of 250 mg after dinner and gradually increase by 250 mg each week , given twice daily upto 1000-2000 mg daily total dose depending on tolerability and kidney function.

The rapid weight gain is of concern.

When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC
Electrolytes
Calcium
HbA1c
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
TSH
25 hydroxy Vitamin D

Check with your endocrinologist if you should be screened for two uncommon conditions associated with weight gain: Acromegaly and Cushings syndrome

The numbness must be evaluated promptly.


Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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What Causes Numbness Around Body And Rapid Weight Gain After Taking Glucophage?

Brief Answer: Not normal Detailed Answer: Very sorry to note your weight gain and numbness. Glucophage (Metformin) is sometimes prescribed to people with pre diabetes.However it makes some people sick ie upto 10% of individuals taking metformin are unable to tolerate it owing to difficulty adjusting to it. It is best to avoid it for couple weeks. Then speak with your endocrinologist to see if starting low and going slow will help. For example I have my patients start with a low dose of 250 mg after dinner and gradually increase by 250 mg each week , given twice daily upto 1000-2000 mg daily total dose depending on tolerability and kidney function. The rapid weight gain is of concern. When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following tests in addition to a detailed physical examination: CBC Electrolytes Calcium HbA1c Liver function tests Kidney function tests TSH 25 hydroxy Vitamin D Check with your endocrinologist if you should be screened for two uncommon conditions associated with weight gain: Acromegaly and Cushings syndrome The numbness must be evaluated promptly.