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Taking Glycomet For Diabetes. High Fasting Sugar Levels. Any Difference If Medicine Is Changed To Metformin?
Hi, this is for father. He is 65. He is a diabetic patient, per Dr.advice he has been taking Glycomet 500mg. His morning fasting sugar number is between 125-135 and after food is 190-200. I know this is out of the range. He is also going through diet control to keep carb to a moderate level and increased other grains that has high fiber and also vegetables and salad. I am wondering if we change the medicine to metformin Hcl er 500 mg, will it make any difference. Please advise.
Mon, 24 Dec 2012
Hi,
Your father has moderately uncontrolled blood sugar. I think he is on once daily dose of glycomet 500mg ( metformin 500mg). Metformin Hcl er is the extended release formula of metformin usually taken once daily. Amount of blood sugar lowering with er forms will be a bit less than with regular forms as the drug acts in slower smoother fashion .Er forms reduce initial symptoms like nausea, heartburn, and diarhea that occur with traditional forms of metformin ( glycomet). I suggest to increase the dose from 500 to 750 er forms or glycomet 500 morning and 250 evening to optimise the levels. Also check the glycosylated hemoglobin level that give an idea of previous 3 months blood sugar control. Rest of treatment execise and diet control to continue
Your father has moderately uncontrolled blood sugar. I think he is on once daily dose of glycomet 500mg ( metformin 500mg). Metformin Hcl er is the extended release formula of metformin usually taken once daily. Amount of blood sugar lowering with er forms will be a bit less than with regular forms as the drug acts in slower smoother fashion .Er forms reduce initial symptoms like nausea, heartburn, and diarhea that occur with traditional forms of metformin ( glycomet). I suggest to increase the dose from 500 to 750 er forms or glycomet 500 morning and 250 evening to optimise the levels. Also check the glycosylated hemoglobin level that give an idea of previous 3 months blood sugar control. Rest of treatment execise and diet control to continue
I find this answer helpful
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
Normal blood sugar fasting is
Diabetes is labeled when fasting blood sugar is > 126 mg% & postprandial blood sugar is > 200 mg%.
Your father's fasting blood sugar is > 126 mg% while postprandial blood sugar is
Your father has to take medication, considering his blood sugar status.
As fasting blood sugar is beyond the cut off value of diabetes, metformin & pioglitazone is the medicine of choice.
Although strict dietary restriction & physical activity helps in control of sugar but for better control he should take prescribed medication.
Take care,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava
Thanks for posting your query.
Normal blood sugar fasting is
Diabetes is labeled when fasting blood sugar is > 126 mg% & postprandial blood sugar is > 200 mg%.
Your father's fasting blood sugar is > 126 mg% while postprandial blood sugar is
Your father has to take medication, considering his blood sugar status.
As fasting blood sugar is beyond the cut off value of diabetes, metformin & pioglitazone is the medicine of choice.
Although strict dietary restriction & physical activity helps in control of sugar but for better control he should take prescribed medication.
Take care,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava
I find this answer helpful
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