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Metformin

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Maidenhead, UK

I am prescribed Alogliptin 12.5 mg/Metformin 1000 mg tablets two a day. I take one at breakfast and one with my evening meal. Earlier i used to take late dinners with max one hour before going to bed. But currently i am experiencing dawn phenomenon. So my questions are:
1) is it enough strong of about 2 gms of metformin a day?
2) is it a good idea to take this tablet with a very little bedtime snack?

August 9, 2020
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A DiabetesTeam Member

Two things.

First, metformin is a long acting drug that "works" in your system for something like 14 hours and still has "some effect" for upwards of 40 hours.

So when you take it, as long as it's at least 10 hours apart, doesn't really matter much. Taking it with a larger meal often will help if you experience any stomach discomfort from the stuff. But if you tollerate it well, then it really doesn't matter much "when" you take it.

2000 mg of metformin is referred to as a "maintenance dose" (if it's working fine), at least in Canada.

The maximum dose is 2550 mg a day (depending on where you live - different countries have slightly different guidelines with many calling 2000 mg/day "maximum").

However, the pill is produced in an 850 mg tablet, so 3 pills a day would be the 2550 "max dose".

You could ask your doc about going to the "max", but it sounds like you may be getting close to the point of needing night-time (basal) insulin.

Unless you are really against insulin it IS the best treatment and absolutely works. But I do understand that most people are resistant to going on it. Myself, I will be asking long before the Doc ever suggests it. A bit of a hassle, yes. But living a long life without complications (or reduced complications) is far more appealing to me than any inconvenience with taking insulin.

August 9, 2020
A DiabetesTeam Member

If you feel your dose of metformin isn't. strong enough you need to talk to your doctor.I have been taking 2x500 mg daily since diagnosed.Others on this site are on 1000 x2 like you. Metformin tablets should be taken with water during or after meals.I try to spread my two doses and leave a couple of hours before bed- but that suits me,maybe not you.A known side effect of metformin is stomach upset,which is why its advised to take with meals.

August 9, 2020
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member, my doctor switched me from 1000 mg of Metformin twice a day to Janumet 50-1000 (a combination of Januvia 50 and Metformin 1000) twice a day, and I’ve seen significant results - going from the 3 and 400’s, to the low to mid 100’s. She kept me on Glipizide, but switched me from Soliqua to Basgular - I still have spikes every now and then (I’m having to experiment with different foods), but compared to Metformin and Glipizide, Soliqua alone, the Janumet works wonders!

August 15, 2020
A DiabetesTeam Member

Thank you @A DiabetesTeam Member, @A DiabetesTeam Member
I am not taking any risk then until i speak to my diabetic nurse. So will continue to have it with my dinner. Thanks again for your responses.

August 9, 2020
A DiabetesTeam Member

My husband take metformin 1,000 mg twice daily after meals with water.

August 9, 2020

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Meformin

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
London, ON
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