Pros and Cons to medication Metformin, for insullin resistence and Type II Diabetes?

My18 yr. old's daughter's Endocrynologist wants to put her on the drug Medformin extended release. Is this drug easily tolerated? What side affects should we watch for? How important is it to take it at the same time each day? Day or night dose time better? Her insulin level, fasting, is 31 I think??

It causes stomach upset for about the first week or two. Usually taken morning and night. It will usually help with weight loss due to less of an appetite. There can be serious side affects. The Doctor usually does a urine test yearly to check for problems. It works well for me.

I am also on Metformin. I have been on it since finding out I have diabetes. (2+ months)

I had an upset stomach for the better part of a month. I have found it still isn't 100% but I have heard that extended release is easier on the digestive track.

There are a number of positive studies about Metformin and it has been available in Europe for over 50 years so the long term side effects have been studied as well.

Metformin has worked for me. Good luck.

I have type two diabetes and take Metformin three times daily, and take insulin two times a day. I never had side effects from Metformin. My diabetes is pretty well controlled. You should take the metformin as ordered by the doctor. Insulin should be taken at the same time every day. 31 would be a very low and dangerous level.

You should really ask your doctor. I have been taking it for a long time and have no side effects. I take one pill (850) in the morning after my breakfast and one after my dinner in the evening. I don't think it is the extended variety. The only problem I had with it was when he had me try 1,000 mg twice a day and that gave me diarrhea. I am thinking you are from the UK because I don't know what a fasting level of 31 is. We do it differently. Again, you should ask your doctor or better yet a pahrmacist (they know more about the meds and are free) what to expect. Good luck

Metformin needs to be taken at the beginning of a meal. this prevents it from causing stomach upsets as badly. It can also cause diarrhea. use something like Pepto to combat this.

I follow the South Beach phase 2 food plan! This has helped me get my glucose down to a normal level with the meds! I also recommend either walking, jogging, or biking for an hour every day!

Don't be afraid of this drug. It is a total toe, finger and eyesight saver!! It is the most common drug in use for combatting high glucose numbers!!!

Much good luck to your daughter! She needs to be on a very tight schedule of lifestyle! Life does get better with control!!!