Metformin (Glucopage) - anyone taking this med?

19 years ago

I went to my doctor because my dentist said my blood pressure was high (150/90). My doctor wants me to shed some weight before he starts me on BP medication. He has me on Hydrochlorothiazide and Metformin (glucopage), and a very strict diet. He said he was prescribing a diuretic so this is the hydrochlorothiazide (which my sister said is a water pill).

When the pharmacist handed me the Metformin, I noticed it was for diabetes, which I don't have. I called the doctor's office immediately and his nurse said "if he prescribed it for you, then he wants you to take it"(not sure I agree with that philosophy). My sister tells me not to take it, but I read that Metformin can be prescribed for other things. My doctor is on vacation weeks so I can't ask him for three weeks.

Has anyone taken Metformin (glucopage) for another reason other than diabetes?

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Comments (5)

Cuddlebones
19 years ago
My best guess is that you had some blood work done.....namely a glycoslated hemoglobin.....which if the result is high, it indicates that diabeties MAY be coming shortly. With this medication and a scrict diet, you may be able to hold it off. Now this is just my best guestimate. I'm not a doctor, but I do work with one in a clinic. Good Luck!!
pamven
19 years ago
i was put on metformin recently too...im not diabetic YET but my if my numbers get much higher i could flip over to a full blown diabetic. BTW i lost approx 15 lbs within weeks of taking the meds and my hunger highs and lows have diminished greatly.
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I'm really glad to see this thread!! I was recently diagnosed as Type II. Here's my story...I'm 42 (soon to be 43), battled my weight my entire life and have the family history. I am good about getting a physical and blood work every year and for many years, my BS would climb a point or two every year or so. In November 2003, it was 116. By November 2004, it had jumped to 146 and my triglycerides jumped from 99 to 200-something (I can't remember the exact number). My total cholesterol has run in the 230s for years, but HDL and triglycerides were good so the doctor didn't worry too much about it. Anyway, at the end of November, he put me on Lipitor, thinking that if the triglycerides would come down, the blood sugar would follow. When I had lab work down the first week of January, my cholesterol had dropped 60 points, triglycerides came down some but were still a little high and my blood sugar had jumped another 30 points to 178. That's when the doctor added the Metformin -- I also take two a day. I've been getting my blood sugar checked every couple of weeks and it had come down to 142, but went up a little bit the last time -- I'm under a lot of emotional stress right now and suspect that it might be a factor. As for diet and exercise, I did low carb last summer and lost 20 lbs. The doctor said in January that low carb is fine for me, but to also watch the animal fats. I look forward to hearing what your dietician says. Since I was diagnosed, I haven't been exercising or following a diet, but I hope to in the next few weeks as I recover from my stress and grief. I think it's absolutely wonderful that you're exercising and losing weight (maybe you can inspire me)!! Big hugs need to go out to hubby and son for being so supportive. I hope some of this information is helpful. One thing I'd like to add is that my mother was diagnosed in her late 40s and for 30 years controlled it with diet and medication -- and no, she wasn't real strict with her diet, she just watched it. She's 78 now and it has just been in the last couple of years that she's really had trouble controlling it. She's not taking insulin, but does need to check her blood several times a day at home. So, I really believe it can be managed and I'm hoping I can follow in her footsteps. Sorry for being so long-winded, but it felt good to "talk" about it. Janet
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sammy zone 7 Tulsa
19 years ago
My daughter took it for years then was told that she was misdiagnosed. She was told that it is used to keep you from getting diabetes. Some people follow all the health rules, yet are not able to shed weight like they want. The initial doctors told her that she had Policystic Ovarian Syndrome. Just because she did not have ovarian cysts doesn't mean that she doesn't have the condition. Because of the blood tests the doctor can tell if you will develop diabetes in years to come. If you fit the profile, then it is good for you to take the Metformin to help get your weight down. For these people not only do they risk additional health problems with the added weight, but also they will develop diabetes.

My daughter took it for about 3 years, then another doctor took her off of it. She is in the military so gets many opinions although some doctors are not as good as others. Her latest doctor said that they know more about Metformin and Policystic Ovarian Syndrome and that she does not have that condition. He told her she just needs to exercise more. My daughter and I are 5'3" and have trouble keeping our weight down. Whenever we eat it seems like we cannot eat what others eat - especially men. My daughter is in the Navy, and must stop eating before the men do, and also must always exercise.

THis is too long. I have other information if you want it. I don't think the med is bad, and if you have the condition, it is a miracle drug.
Sammy
kathyg_in_mi
19 years ago
Just found out that I am diabetic, but with taking the Glucophage I might never need to give myself shots. The doc said that the glucophage would help me lose a little bit of weight too.
Kathy G in MI
downsouth
Original Author
19 years ago
I never had any blood work done, but he does want me to have blood work done after I have been on this med for 2 or 3 months. I found out the reason he gave it to me was to help me lose weight.

Metformin (Glucopage) - anyone taking this med?

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Cuddlebones

pamven

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Metformin (Glucopage) - anyone taking this med?

Comments (5)

Cuddlebones

pamven

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sammy zone 7 Tulsa

kathyg_in_mi

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