Metformin is a medication used to treat diabetes. It’s one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world, with over 2 billion prescriptions written each year. Given its widespread use, it’s no wonder that many people are curious about what foods should avoid while taking metformin. In this blog post, we will explore foods that should avoid while taking metformin and explain why they are dangerous. From beverages to certain types of food, read on to learn everything you need to know about foods to avoid while taking metformin.
Types of Diabetes
There are three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.
The body can’t produce insulin in Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which the body can’t use insulin well enough to control blood sugar levels. Diabetes that develops during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes.
List of foods to avoid while taking metformin:
To avoid glucose toxicity, it’s important to limit refined carbs and sugary drinks. These include things like white breads, white pasta, cakes, biscuits and other pastries, soft drinks, fruit juices and cordials. Limit your intake of these items to 150-200g (5-7 ounces) per day. You should also avoid eating high glycemic index foods such as potatoes or sugary sweets like chocolates or lollies.
It’s also important to watch your weight while taking metformin – too much weight gain will increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you’re overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about whether lowering your BMI would be a better way for you to manage your diabetes while on metformin.
Finally, it’s important to keep track of your blood sugar levels regularly while taking metformin – if they start to rise significantly above the normal range (4-6 mmol/L [38-148 mg/dL]), talk to your doctor about adjusting
Metformin: How It Works & Side Effects
Metformin is a type of medication used to manage diabetes. It works by helping the body control blood sugar levels. Metformin can cause side effects, but most are mild. The most common side effects are feeling tired or hungry, diarrhea, and nausea. Metformin should not be taken with alcohol or other diabetes medications that contain sulfonylureas because they can increase the chance of developing lactic acidosis (a life-threatening condition caused by too much acid in the blood). Other serious side effects include liver problems, heart attack, and stroke. Metformin should not be used in people who have seizures or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Foods to Avoid While Taking Metformin
While taking metformin, it is important to be mindful of foods that could potentially cause adverse effects. Some of the key foods to avoid while taking metformin include:
Sugar
Saturated and trans fats
Salt
Caffeine
Alcohol
Conclusion
Since metformin is a diabetes medication, it’s important to be aware of the foods that you should and should not eat while taking this medication. Some of the foods to avoid while taking metformin include: alcohol, grapefruit, dairy products, high-fat meals, and raw sugar. It’s also important to note that metformin can interact with other medications so it’s always best to speak with your doctor before starting any new medication or altering your current treatment plan.
