Diabetes question

mandi78 · May 22, 2007

I have been on Metformin XR 1500mg for awhile now for Pre-Diabetes. Well, the past few months, my sugars have crept up and were over 200 tonight! Its never been that high and I am freaking out. It had been a few hours since I had eaten anything before checking.

My question is this. Since I am wanting to have the surgery very soon, do you all think they will make me go through the Glucose Tolerance Test, etc and add more medication only to take me off of it in a month or so? I really don't have a lot of time off work built up right now and I'm wanting to save it for the week I have surgery. I know there are going to be other tests that have to be done also before surgery. Is the Glucose Tolerance Test an all day thing? Thanks.

Mandi

Chickie · May 22, 2007

I have no idea if they will make you do the GTT or not. Yes, the fasting GTT does take up a good chunk of the day, sadly.

Can I ask why you think you will be going off your medication in a month?

mandi78 · May 22, 2007

Can I ask why you think you will be going off your medication in a month?

Well, I guess that's just an assumption on my part. I have read of many who were taken off meds before surgery and then never had to take them again. I have a feeling that with the weight loss and eating so much less food, my sugars will go back to normal pretty quickly. But, as I said, that's just an assumption (and a hope)!

Also, I was wondering if anyone takes or has taken Metformin ER. I had to take it because the other tore my stomach up but I am wondering if it is not being absorbed as well because (sorry, tmi) sometimes the whole pill comes back out in the end. Does anyone know about this? Thanks.

maudeispam · May 22, 2007

I took the metformin 500mg 3times daily for over a year prior to my surgery. I was pre-diabetes as well and diagnosed with PCOS. My blood sugars were in the normal to low range with the medication. One week prior to surgery my med was stopped by my surgeon in fear my blood sugar levels would plummet. My blood sugar was closely monitored by myself and my doctor for the time prior to and for a time after surgery. My levels continue to in the normal to low range. The only medication I am now on is for my blood pressure and I have a feeling they will cut that soon. My diabetes is souly controlled by my diet and exercise regimen and my weightloss.

mandi78 · May 22, 2007

maudeispam-I have PCOS too. Has the weight loss from the band helped with your PCOS symptoms (excess hair, acne, lack of menstruation, etc) as well? Thanks.

Chickie · May 22, 2007

Well, I guess that's just an assumption on my part. I have read of many who were taken off meds before surgery and then never had to take them again. I have a feeling that with the weight loss and eating so much less food, my sugars will go back to normal pretty quickly. But, as I said, that's just an assumption (and a hope)!

I was left on my medication till my fasting GTT showed that I no longer needed it. That was maybe 6 months, or more after surgery. If you are having blood sugar issues, I would go to your endo / gp (or whoever you see) and have a chat.

Also, I was wondering if anyone takes or has taken Metformin ER. I had to take it because the other tore my stomach up but I am wondering if it is not being absorbed as well because (sorry, tmi) sometimes the whole pill comes back out in the end. Does anyone know about this? Thanks.

I was on regular metformin, and it upset my stomach for at least the first 4 or 5 months. Immoudum was my friend. Apparently with the ER, the shell of the pill is all that you see, and all the medication is actually gone. Nothing to stress about.

I know you were not directing your question at me, but I have/had PCOS. All of my symptoms, apart from the excess hair have completely resolved (I still have some hair on my chin, but nothing a good pluck doesn't take care of)

I have a perfect 28 day cycle, little to no acne, and my mood swings are so much better. With weight loss PCOS's symptoms can be managed.