salman

3 years

Im taking glucophage for my diabetes

hi doctor, Im Salman, Im taking glucophage for my diabetes. its been two years already. my blood sugar is now well control. however sometime recently I felt lightheaded and dizzy especially during evening where I will be driving home after work. Panodol is not helping. I read it might be side effect of glucophage some time ago. Could this be true and how do I prevent them? Can I change to other anti-diabetic? Many thanks doc

Dr Ramzdhan,

4 years

Hi Robert, and thanks for your question, and we perfectly understand your concern here at Doctors On Call and would like to congratulate you on achieving good sugar control. However, the symptoms you described are symptoms of hypoglycemia. Here we will cover what is hypoglycemia, what are the symptoms, and how it is treated.
Hypoglycemia is commonly known as having low blood sugar and can be seen with diabetic patients taking anti-diabetic agents, such as the Glucophage that you are taking.
The symptoms of Hypoglycemia are:-

  • Sweating (early stages)
  • Trembling (early stages)
  • Feeling hungry (early stages)
  • Feeling anxious and worried (early stages)
  • Trouble walking and the feeling that the muscles are weak
  • Trouble seeing clearly
  • Behaves strangely and looks confused
  • Passing out
  • Seizures
    How do I prevent hypoglycemia?
  • Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor
  • Recognize the symptoms of early hypoglycemia and correct it with the steps as mentioned below
    Is there anything it improve the symptoms? Yes
  • Always have a source of quick sugar near you (e.g. half cup of juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of honey
  • A glucagon shot, which is a hormone that rapidly breaks down existing carbohydrates in your body into glucose, but this is reserved for special group of patients and requires a doctor prescription.
    What should I do after overcoming an episode of hypoglycemia?
  • Check your blood sugar levels after treatment
  • Inform your doctor and ask if the dosage of the medication should be changed.
    What signs should I look out for to see a doctor immediately?
  • Confusion persist after taking sugar or glucagon shot
  • Had passed out during the hypoglycemic episode
  • Still have low blood sugar after treatment.

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