I'm taking two tablets of metformin sustained-release twice daily (morning and evening), but my fasting blood glucose is still over 8 mmol/L. What should I do?

Apr 29, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, if fasting blood glucose remains above 8 mmol/L despite taking two extended-release metformin tablets twice daily, the condition can be managed by adjusting dietary habits, increasing the medication dosage, or combining with other antidiabetic drugs. In addition, patients may use insulin injections as prescribed by their doctor to control blood glucose levels. Diabetic patients are advised to maintain a proper diet, monitor blood glucose regularly, and take medications on time and as directed.

Under normal circumstances, if fasting blood glucose remains above 8 mmol/L despite taking two tablets of metformin sustained-release in the morning and two in the evening, this can be addressed through dietary adjustments, increasing medication dosage, or combining with other medications. Specific measures are as follows:

1. Dietary management

Patients with diabetes should pay attention to their diet, adhering to the principles of regular meal times and controlled portion sizes. They should also avoid excessive calorie intake and limit foods with a high glycemic index, which helps improve blood glucose control.

2. Increasing medication dosage

The optimal clinical dose of metformin sustained-release tablets is 2000 mg per day. Therefore, patients are advised to consult their doctor about increasing the dosage to achieve better glycemic control.

3. Combining with other medications

If blood glucose remains inadequately controlled even after increasing the dose of metformin sustained-release under medical guidance, additional medications may be used as prescribed, such as gliclazide tablets or liraglutide injection.

In addition, patients may use insulin injections as directed by their physician to manage blood glucose levels. It is recommended that diabetic patients maintain a healthy diet, monitor blood glucose regularly, take medication on time and as prescribed, and seek prompt medical attention if any discomfort occurs, to avoid adverse effects on health.

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