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Is Metformin ER Suggestible For High Blood Sugar Levels?

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Posted on Sat, 24 May 2014
Question: I have type 2 diabetes.Doctor prescribed me Metformin ER instead of regular Metformin , dosage is the same- 500*4, instead of regular 1000 two times daily.
it is does not work for me at all, the ER kind.
Also she increase Glipizide from 5 mg to 10 mg.
My sugar 300+, but was before only very rare, like if I eat something severely bad
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Diabetes

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry to hear about your lack of glucose control

When I see someone like you in my clinic, I typically advise the following:

If your fasting sugars are running above 250 to 300, it is best to take insulin at least for a week or so to improve the numbers and bring them closer 100 to 150 and then adjust the pills because it is only after the very high glucoses have been brought down by insulin that the pills have a better chance of working.

It is ok for you to go back to regular metformin if the ER version is not suiting you.

It is reasonable to increase the dose of glipizide from 5 to 10 mg, although the maximum prescribable dose is upto 40 mg.
However all of the above approaches are best managed by an endocrinologist in person and with close follow up.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (25 minutes later)
Dr Topiwala,
is it scientifically and practically proven, that for some people who have good response for regular Metformin, ER Metformin can not work at all?
Is it generally happened with people?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
No. To the best of my knowledge, no such thing is reported in medical literature nor is it possible scientifically.
Metformin, regardless of its formulation is generally well absorbed and produces the same effect in the body
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. 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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Is Metformin ER Suggestible For High Blood Sugar Levels?

Brief Answer: Diabetes Detailed Answer: I am sorry to hear about your lack of glucose control When I see someone like you in my clinic, I typically advise the following: If your fasting sugars are running above 250 to 300, it is best to take insulin at least for a week or so to improve the numbers and bring them closer 100 to 150 and then adjust the pills because it is only after the very high glucoses have been brought down by insulin that the pills have a better chance of working. It is ok for you to go back to regular metformin if the ER version is not suiting you. It is reasonable to increase the dose of glipizide from 5 to 10 mg, although the maximum prescribable dose is upto 40 mg. However all of the above approaches are best managed by an endocrinologist in person and with close follow up.