Metformin is a widely-used medication for managing type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing the amount of glucose your liver produces and improving your body’s sensitivity to insulin, thus reducing your blood sugar levels. But, if you find that your blood sugar is high, you might wonder if you can take an extra dose of metformin to bring it down.
Adhering to Prescribed Dosages
The general rule of thumb is that you should stick to the dosage of metformin that your doctor has prescribed. The dosage is calculated based on a variety of factors, including your age, weight, overall health, the severity of your diabetes, and how well your body responds to the medication.
Why Taking Extra Metformin is Not Recommended
Taking an extra metformin dose isn’t typically recommended for a few reasons:
- Potential for Overdose: Overdosing on metformin can potentially lead to lactic acidosis, a serious and life-threatening condition. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, dizziness, slow or irregular heartbeat, and severe drowsiness.
- Delayed Effect: Metformin doesn’t lower blood sugar levels immediately. It takes some time to show its effect. Thus, taking an extra dose may not have the immediate impact you might hope for in lowering your blood glucose.
- Management of High Blood Sugar: If your blood sugar level is consistently high, it may indicate that your current diabetes management plan isn’t working as well as it should. This isn’t typically something that can be fixed with just an extra dose of medication. Instead, it may require adjustments to your overall treatment plan.
What to Do if Your Blood Sugar is High
If you notice your blood sugar levels are consistently high, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can evaluate your current treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments. This could involve changes to your medication dosage, but it could also include changes to your diet, exercise routine, or other aspects of your diabetes management plan.
The bottom line is, while it may be tempting to take an extra dose of metformin if your blood sugar levels are high, it’s not generally advised. Instead, speak to your healthcare provider about the best course of action.
