Metformin is another common oral medication for type 2 diabetes; it's associated with GI upset and diarrhea, and may contribute to dehydration, according to a May 2017 article published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society.
Metformin may need to be temporarily discontinued in people with restricted food or fluid intake because continued use may increase the likelihood of dehydration, low blood pressure, and kidney damage.
Metformin should be taken with meals to help reduce stomach or bowel side effects that may occur during the first few weeks of treatment. Swallow the tablet or extended-release tablet whole with a full glass of water.
Stomach trouble is the most common metformin side effect. About 25% of people have problems like: Bloating. Gas.
Diuretics: sometimes called 'water pills' for excess fluid and high blood pressure. These medicines can make dehydration more likely. Metformin: a medicine for diabetes. Dehydration can make it more likely that you will develop a serious side effect called lactic acidosis.
Dry mouth and dry eyes. Dizziness. Tiredness. Dark yellow coloured urine.
Metformin (a medicine for Diabetes) dehydration increases the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious and potentially life-threatening side effect of metformin.
If you eat a lot of sugar while taking Metformin, your body will have to work harder to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range, and the Metformin will not be as effective for weight loss. However, if it happens infrequently, you should not suffer too many negative side effects. The key is moderation.
High-Fiber Foods
Researchers posit that exceeding 30 grams of fiber in a day may lower metformin levels in the body due to the fact that fiber binds to the drug and reduces its efficacy. (9) So it may be best to avoid high-fiber foods like oatmeal, chickpeas, avocado, berries, peas, beans, and chia seeds.
Metformin may have an adverse effect on renal function in patients with type 2 DM and moderate CKD.
Unexplained increases in blood sugar may be the first sign that metformin has stopped working. You may also experience symptoms of hyperglycemia such as excessive thirst or hunger, fatigue, and blurry vision.
Because of this, you'll have trouble clearing sugar from your blood, leading to high levels of glucose. Common symptoms of high blood glucose include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, and fatigue.
Taking metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency if you take it for a long time. This can make you feel very tired, breathless and faint, so your doctor may check the vitamin B12 level in your blood. If your vitamin B12 levels become too low, vitamin B12 supplements will help.
Be wary of taking metformin on an empty stomach
Taking all of your medications first thing in the morning may be the easiest way to remember to take them daily, but if you take metformin on an empty stomach (or only with coffee), it may cause nausea that can last all day.
It's best to take metformin tablets with, or just after, your evening meal to reduce the chance of getting side effects. Swallow your metformin tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them. If you're taking metformin sachets, pour the powder into a glass and add water (about 150ml).
Metformin helps limit blood glucose levels. Simple and refined carbs boost those blood sugar levels, which can increase weight gain and cause metformin not to work as well as it should.
This in turn lowers blood sugar levels. Metformin has two advantages over other diabetes drugs: There's less risk of your blood sugar level falling too low. It doesn't cause weight gain.
Thus, metformin is capable of accelerating the oxidation of fat in the liver, thereby leading to a decrease of visceral fat or body weight.
Can long-term metformin use cause kidney damage? Metformin doesn't cause kidney damage. The kidneys process and clear the medication out of your system through your urine. If your kidneys don't function properly, there's concern that metformin can build up in your system and cause a condition called lactic acidosis.
Drugs used to treat diabetes can cause electrolyte and acid-base disturbances, including mainstays of therapy like metformin and sulfonylureas, along with tricyclic antidepressants used to treat neuropathy.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or caffeine-free beverages such as seltzer water or sugar-free lemonade. Keep your alcohol consumption at a minimum as alcohol can be dehydrating and contains carbohydrates. Be mindful of heat exhaustion.