Glucophage (Metformin) and Atkins..okay combo?

[Ragtime Gal]

Hi all,

My 15 year old son started Atkins about three weeks ago and has had amazing success and a general loss of appetite.

Since his bloodwork six months ago showed insulin resistance, his endocrinologist (Yale obesity clinic) wanted to start him on Glucophage (generic is metformin). We put it off for awhile because we know there are side effects and he was starting high school, but want to finally start him on it now.

I was just wondering if the high fat diet would give him worse diarrhea while on this drug? I have read that eating fat can be a problem....

Anyone on this med and on Atkins?

(Also, since he has already lost so much of his appetite just eating low-carb...I'm wondering if we have already taken care of his insulin resistance through diet, and if the Glucophage could give him low blood sugar?)

Thanks!

Sharon

[Bren]

Sharon,

Is he testing his BS? The only way to be sure is to redo his blood tests. People taking metformin very seldon suffer with low BS. I know alot of people have stomach problems with metformin to start. Several I know of have started on half a dose and then increased as they adjusted.
I would strongly suggest talking to his medical team before making any adjustments.

[KryssieLyn]

I am also on Met for IR, doing Atkins, and the only problem I noticed was a feeling a nausea if I exercised after I took it. I started taking it at night with my dinner and haven't had a problem since. As far as I know, it does not cause low blood sugar, but I don't know of anything to back that up. sorry. Also, the side effects of Met are actually LESS, IMO, on a LC diet than on a regular diet. I had the most problem with the side effects if I was eating high carb/sugar. I haven't had ANY of the typical side effects (diarreah, vomiting, etc) while LCing.

[Ragtime Gal]

Thanks. I left a very detailed message for his endocrinologist, but it's always good to find people that are actually doing the diet and taking the drug to get their input. The docs don't always know everything!

Sharon

[cincywbbw]

Try posting in the diabetic forums, there are some great people there that can give you some more input.