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What Causes Weakness And Appetite Loss While On Metformin For Diabetes?

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Posted on Tue, 8 Aug 2017
Question: My mom has diabetes that she normally controls with metformin. She was in the hospital recently and they gave her insulin instead and she was eating better than I had ever seen her eat in a long time. Now she's been out for a few days and back on her medication. She says everything taste bitter and is having trouble eating anything. Today I checked her blood sugar level it was 204 which is not too high for her. No fever blood circulation in hands and feet are fine.. but she is feeling weak and not interested in eating. What can I do?
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Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
She needs insulin therapy;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!

I can understand your concern regarding your mother's health.

The blood sugar level is usually monitored with HbA1c level. It is the best indicator of the mean glucose level of the last three months. If it is over 9%, it means that oral tablets can not keep normal levels and insulin is needed.

The fact that, she felt better with insulin, means that it is the proper treatment for her.

I would suggest to see an Endocrinologist and restart insulin (of course after HbA1c level).

Hope I have been helpful. Feel free to ask further.

Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Mirjeta Guni

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2414 Questions

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What Causes Weakness And Appetite Loss While On Metformin For Diabetes?

Brief Answer: She needs insulin therapy; Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for asking! I can understand your concern regarding your mother's health. The blood sugar level is usually monitored with HbA1c level. It is the best indicator of the mean glucose level of the last three months. If it is over 9%, it means that oral tablets can not keep normal levels and insulin is needed. The fact that, she felt better with insulin, means that it is the proper treatment for her. I would suggest to see an Endocrinologist and restart insulin (of course after HbA1c level). Hope I have been helpful. Feel free to ask further. Kind regards, Dr.Mirjeta