The administration of metformin, as glucophage retard, at bedtime instead of supper time may improve diabetes control by reducing morning hyperglycemia.
As already discussed, metformin can result in sleep disturbance, and this might affect normal dream patterns. Nightmares are reported in patients receiving metformin. [7] However, they are less frequent than insomnia.
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.
This medicine is not recommended in patients 80 years of age and older who have kidney problems.
Metformin is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes that is generally well tolerated. GI upset, especially diarrhea, is the most common side effect.
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. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
NPH, an intermediate-acting insulin, is typically given 30 to 60 minutes before a meal or at bedtime. Long-acting insulins, such as glargine (Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo) and detemir (Levemir), are often taken at bedtime, but also in the morning.
It's best to take metformin with food, ideally after meals. If you're only taking it once a day, take it with the biggest meal of the day. You may find that metformin causes stomach upset when you first start taking it. This includes nausea and diarrhea.
Metformin does not instantly reduce blood sugar levels. The effects are usually noticeable within 48 hours of taking the medication, and the most significant effects take 4–5 days to occur. However, the timing depends on the person's dosage.
As much as possible, avoid white bread, white rice, white pasta, candy, soda, desserts, and snacks like chips or crackers. Eating foods that can spike your blood sugar will not necessarily make the metformin not work, however, it will increase the burden it has to work against.
Swallow it with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine before meals. It should be taken no earlier than 30 minutes before meals.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) also recommends metformin for some people with prediabetes. Generally, if you're prescribed metformin, you'll be on it long term. That could be many decades, unless you experience complications or changes to your health that require you to stop taking it.
We suggest initiating metformin at the time of diabetes diagnosis (Grade 2C), along with consultation for lifestyle intervention.
Check your blood sugar level
Bedtime is another good time to test. It's a good idea to keep our blood sugar goal at bedtime in the range of 80 to 180 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
A medical provider can run a few tests to see how metformin is affecting your health: Blood work can check if your glucose, insulin, and HbA1C levels are in range. If they are, the medication is working.
Metformin is very effective at controlling blood glucose and lowers A1c levels by as much as 1.5% at maximum doses.
Extended-release metformin is taken once a day and should be taken at night, with dinner. This can help to treat high glucose levels overnight.
Metformin may also reduce weight by decreasing the amount of visceral fat in the liver and muscle tissue. Visceral fat is stored within the abdominal cavity, which contains several internal organs, including the liver, stomach, and intestines. It can also build up in muscles including the heart muscle.
For decades we've known that metformin does more than just help lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. It also offers them cardiovascular benefits, including lower rates of death due to cardiovascular disease. And it sometimes helps people with diabetes lose excess weight.
This can lead to excessive thirst and the need to drink and urinate more.
Official answer. Metformin (brand name: Glucophage) will be in your system for 96.8 hours which is approximately 4 days. Metformin has an elimination half-life of approximately 17.6 hours.