Hi All-
I normally take Metformin ER 1000 mg twice a day for a daily total of 2000mg. I ran out and was given a two week supply of just regular, not extended release Metformin and I’m wondering, what is the actual working difference between the two? The regular version does an instant number on my GI system, so I’m not liking that so much, but… it seems like my numbers are lower with this version. I know the ER version is supposed to cut down the GI side effects, but does it begin working as quickly as the regular? Could it be that the regular starts working faster in my system? I take it about 10-20 minutes before I start to eat. The ER version works well, but it seems like my numbers are lower with this. Am I just wishful thinking or could this actually be the case?
The extended release obviously slowly releases and hence you would expect a fast release metformin to hit you harder in terms of “gastric distress.” But there are a number of ways that metformin works, it makes you more insulin sensitive, it reduces the amount of blood sugar your liver produces and it decreases the absorption of carbs in your digestion. I’ve long thought based on my experience that the regular metformin had a stronger effect blocking carbs. If you are taking your metformin with meals, you may notice this effect and it may be significant. I guess a question would be, how are your numbers better. If you fasting levels are better, then perhaps the regular metformin is also performing better in stopping your liver from producing glucose, but I’ve never seen that effect.
my fasting numbers aren’t really any different. As for my numbers with meals… I’ve noticed that with the regular release my numbers barely rise after a meal. If I’m at 120 before, I’m at maybe 125-130 after. But if I eat the same thing with the ER, starting at 120, my afters are 150-160. Not a HUGE spike, and for me I’m very happy with the results either way considering those same meals before would put me in the 280-300 range. I’m asking because I am going to see my Endo on the 28th and I think I’d like to switch to the regular. I’ll deal with the gastric reflex. I’m interested in better numbers. By the way bsc, you are a font of knowledge. Thank you for all your help, today and in the past as well.
I’m glad it is helpful. I also found that at least in my case, the “gastric distress” was increased with meals containing more carbs. Perhaps something to do with the carbs moving further down the digestive tract and having more of an opportunity to ferment.
It sounds like the metformin has made a huge difference for you.
OMG! It has. I went from using 400 units of Humalog a day- to maybe 50-150 if I REALLY mess up and eat what I know will do me in, (like cream horns and Doritios). I would say that an average day would have me using no more than 30 units, if I eat right and exercise. And today I haven’t needed any at all. Some days I still “go on strike” and eat crap I know I shouldn’t and then I use the insulin to bring me back into range which is SOOOOO bad not to mention wrong. I’m working on that. So yes, I love my Metformin. And I never would have asked about it if it hadn’t been for people on this site. So basically, I owe my success to all of you on this site. Thank you!!!
I take the regular Metformin - I have not had the Extended release but that would make since that a non-ER version would take longer to work because it is slower and it is supposed to be that way. I can’t really compare lik you have but I haven’t really had any tummy problems on Met really - I felt kind of crappy when I first started taking it so I could tell it was doing something. - that is all gone down - I have no side effects. I take it after I finish my meal and sometimes half way through and I have good numbers.
I haven’t had any other meds except Met but I swear my numbers when to a more normal range within a few days of taking it and I was surprised because people were saying it could take 6 weeks! So I was pretty happy about that.
For many, the primary action of metformin is that your insulin sensitivity is improved and the effect of metformin builds up and reaches full effectiveness in 6-8 weeks. In most cases, Met-ER is provided as a way of easing the gastric distress and since the effect builds up slowly over time, it works out just as well. I’m pleased to seen that both you and Devon had an quick impact, but for most metformin probably won’t be fast acting.