How much sugar can you ingest while taking metformin before the abdominal side effects kick in?
Question posted by egriesemer on 2 Oct 2013
Last updated on 30 June 2020 by sbryant105
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5 Answers
I have always watched what I eat my whole life, mostly to stay thin. When I went to my annual exam I was told my sugar levels were a little high and told to watch my sugar intake, but not put on any medicine. I then started researching what to eat, etc. While researching my sugar continued to rise and I was put on METFORMIN. So, I replaced so many foods in my diet for instance: Hide your sugar and buy STEVIA SWEETENER. It was recommended by my husband's heart doctor as a non-cancer causing sweetener. I use SILK plant milk 30 calories NO SUGAR ADDED; I use COUNTRY CROCK plant butter and I assure you it tastes exactly the same as real butter; I buy frozen fruits (I love the Berry Mix) with NO SUGAR ADDED and make smoothies with this fruit, SILK milk and bananas. You can have ice cream also because BLUE BELL makes a NO SUGAR ADDED ice cream and of course use it wisely. Next, you must start checking the labels on every single thing you buy.
I feel the same, my doctor put me on metformin, becausey sugar is a little high, but you can't expect people to stay away from sugar all together especially for just start. Yes I would like to know how much sugar I can have?
Well I have type 2 diabetics and I'm taking metformin and there isn't nothing wrong with the drug it works for me good. Good luck to all.
You want to try to keep your blood sugars as close to around oh 98 to 100 to 105, and below 150, as you can. There is not a certain level of sugar you consume then the pill kicks in-it doesnt work this way. It will lower your sugar even if you dont eat anything so this is why diet is important and why you take it 30 minutes before you eat. If you dont eat, it can push you down into hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) on to coma and death. You should always keep a source of sugar on your person at all times. You can get glucose tablets or you can use hard candy (like Lifesavers etc) Everything you eat is broken down by the body into glucose and the body uses the glucose for fuel. It is just like putting gas in your car. Too much gas and it will spill over, and by running out of gas, it stops working. If you can, call your insurance company and see if they cover diabetes classes. I encourage you and your significant other to attend these classes so you can learn how to eat.
Did your Dr give you a glucometer to check your blood glucose levels? In the beginning, you will want to be aware of what you are eating and your blood sugar levels. If it is easier for you, make a food diary of what you ate, how much, what time and how did you feel and what was your blood sugar/blood glucose? Soon, you will "guesstimate" what level your glucose is by how you feel and you will begin to know what foods make your sugars spike and the ones that make you feel crappy.
Thank you so much for the information. Very helpful. Have a plan to start tomm. Fingers crossed :)
Awesome info, very informative. Thanks.
If you are diabetic, the goal isn't to see how much sugar you can get away with, its to get your blood sugar down. You need to recheck your attitude.
First of all, I'm new taking this medication. My doc called and said my blood sugars were off and I needed to take this. I'm not sure what my levels are. I am trying to eat correctly but have been having horrible side effects. I am using a tracking device on my phone to help count calories, ect.. but I am trying to get a guide for sugars so I can avoid getting sick. I came to the website for HELPFUL answers, not attitude. You should encourage, not discourage.
It has stomach side effects, and your blood sugar was high or he wouldn't have ordered anything.
And if you don't ask how much sugar you can eat but about the medication or diabetes you will get allot more info.
But I never said anything about candy, ect... Do you have any idea how much natural sugar there is in fruit? 13 grams in 1/2 a banana. That's a lot if, according to my fitness pal, the mex for the day should be 25 grams. That's w/o taking into effect the metformin.
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Further information
- Metformin uses and safety info
- Metformin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Metformin (detailed)
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