Resolved question:
Hi,
I am not currently diabetic. My BP is borderline. But I am 34, prediabetic with a very strong family history of diabetes, HTN and IHD. I live a non-healthy lifestyle and never exercise. I am over weight. My BMI is 26.4.
I would like to start taking Glucophage to delay or prevent diabetes, but don't know the exact dose that I should take. I eat a low carb bar with tea and milk for breakfast about 4 days a week and a heavy breakfast 3 days a week. I also eat a good dinner every night. No lunch.
Other than Glucophage, I would like to know if there is any other recommended pills or supplements that I should take.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Internal Medicine Specialist
Hello, Some drugs are under evaluation for the purpose of delaying pre diabetes progression. But no other drugs match the safety profile and favourable data of Metformin (Glucophage). So as of now this is the only recommended and safe drug for this purpose. Higher doses are proven to be more effective. You may start with a dose of 850mg once daily (in consult with your Doctor) then make it 850mg twice daily for maximum effect. You can also use 500mg twice daily which is more conservative. But, you SHOULD couple this with diet control and aerobic exercise. It is never later to start an exercise routine. This alone might be sufficient if done properly. Please note, it is recommended that you should consult your Physician before starting the drug. Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask follow-up questions if you have any. Thank you.
Thank you for asking the query.
I will consult my doctor. I will start low and build up over weeks.
But would you recommend taking both pills with my dinner? Or one with my very light breakfast and one with my dinner?
Can I take glucophage after a low carb bar in the morning since that is usually what I take for breakfast 4 days a week?
What would you advice me to take on the other 3 days a week with my good breakfast?
Best wishes. Thank you.
Yes, you can take it with your breakfast and dinner .(Two times daily - morning and night). You may take it your light breakfast, because in non - diabetics/pre diabetic it will not bring up any drastic changes in blood sugar so as to cause low blood sugar. But do observe for signs of low blood sugar like palpitation, sweating, dizziness etc in the initial months.
Thank you very much Doctor.
Do you recommend taking the pill before, after or during the meal?
What if I took it 30 or 40 minutes after the meal?
It is recommended to take the pill at least half an hour before the meal for getting most benefit out of it.
Thank you.