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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Diabetes 2. Takes Metformin. Gets Loose Bowels, Hair Loss, Erection Problem

My husband has Diabetes 2, In the past year, he has lost close to 20 pounds. He weighs around 157#. He is 5'/7". Our Dr. started him on Metformin, 2 pills/once per day. If he has to take 4 a day, he gets loose bowels. So he is back on 2/day. He has been more careful with his sugar intake and I cook very carefully; however, he still likes sweets. In the past his numbers have gone to 200, now he ranges approximately 140. He is walking with me, and occasionally playing Tennis. He seems to be losing his hair and has problems with erections. He just turned 74. Any suggestions?
Wed, 30 Oct 2013
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic,

Your husband is having Diabetes type II and Overweight,I presume he is recently detected to have high blood sugar and Metformin is good drug for this type of Diabetes.

This dose of Metformin can be started with low dose and can be increased slowly then it is tolerated well and known to cause GIT side effects.

He should take care of diet carefully and avoid food with high glycemic index and simple sugar.
Exercise regularly helps to reduce peripheral glucose resistant and helps to control blood sugar.

His problem of erection could be due to Neuropathy or vasculopathy or simply Psychological which needs to be tested by penile Doppler.

If there is no other issue like Ischemic heart disease than drugs like Sildenafil may be of great help.

Take care of diet for hair loss and Multivitamin may be given this may be due to his rapid weight loss but it will settle down and weigh loss should be gradual.

Hope this helps.
Wish him good health.
Dr.Akhilesh Dubey M.D
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Have Diabetes 2. Takes Metformin. Gets Loose Bowels, Hair Loss, Erection Problem

Hi, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic, Your husband is having Diabetes type II and Overweight,I presume he is recently detected to have high blood sugar and Metformin is good drug for this type of Diabetes. This dose of Metformin can be started with low dose and can be increased slowly then it is tolerated well and known to cause GIT side effects. He should take care of diet carefully and avoid food with high glycemic index and simple sugar. Exercise regularly helps to reduce peripheral glucose resistant and helps to control blood sugar. His problem of erection could be due to Neuropathy or vasculopathy or simply Psychological which needs to be tested by penile Doppler. If there is no other issue like Ischemic heart disease than drugs like Sildenafil may be of great help. Take care of diet for hair loss and Multivitamin may be given this may be due to his rapid weight loss but it will settle down and weigh loss should be gradual. Hope this helps. Wish him good health. Dr.Akhilesh Dubey M.D