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Headaches and pain every evening for past 3 days

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slipd
slipd

Hi. I'm not sure if my 48-year-old mom's fever-like symptoms of headaches and pain right now has anything to do with diabetes, but in case it does: About 5 months ago, the doctor said that my mom was at risk of being diabetic and diagnosed her with pre-diabetes and prescribed her to take a 500 mg tablet of Metformin every day.  After another checkup one month ago, the doctor said her glucose levels were normal again, and she was to stop taking Metformin.  

Starting one week ago, fearing that her glucose levels might rise too high with all the holiday food, my mom unwisely decided to take a 500 mg tablet of Metformin every day again.  3-4 days later, after a heavy lunch (not sugary foods), my mom's body starting shaking and teeth chattering, which calmed down after ~15 minutes.   For the past 3 days since that shaking incident, she stopped taking Metformin but she'd get a gradual headache that's light in the morning but gets heavier throughout the day, till evening when she starts feeling cold, she loses her apetite, and it feels like her body's hurting from the inside -- massaging helps that pain.  Her forehead temperature's fairly normal in the evening, maybe slightly warm.  She got her flu shot about 2-3 months ago, so is this just from a fever, or is it something to do with diabetes or those 3-4 days that she unwisely took Metformin last week?  

Her next appointment with the doctor is in 2 weeks and we can't get an appointment before that -- what should she do?

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • clivealive
    clivealive slipd

    Posted

    I'm not a medically qualified person but I do know that Metformin decreases the absorption of Vitamin B12 a deficiency of which can lead to symptom like headaches and neurological pains.

    The reason I know this is as a Type 2 diabetic, on Metformin (2 x 500 per day now after starting on 4 x 500) and having had Pernicious Anaemia (a form of B12 Deficiency) for 45 years I've made a study of Metformin side effects.

    The most common "withdrawal symptoms" of Metformin are digestive issues and may include: diarrhea.vomiting. nausea. heartburn. abdominal cramps. constipation. gas, or flatulence.

    You could ask your Mum's doctor to test her serum B12 and serum Folate levels just in case she is deficient in either or both.

    It's lovely of you being so caring for your Mum and I wish you both well

    • slipd
      slipd clivealive

      Posted

      Thank you!  We'll try giving her some Vitamin B12 tablets and B12-rich foods.  I'm guessing it's probably not withdrawal since she stopped taking Metformin one month ago, and only started again one week ago and took it for 3-4 days until the problems started.

  • sarah87162
    sarah87162 slipd

    Posted

    I would leave off the metformin until your mum sees the doctor again.

    I  am type 2 diabetes and take 2 metformin every day (500 mg).

    Take care and keep in touch

    Sarah

    • slipd
      slipd sarah87162

      Posted

      Thank you.  Right, she's not taking Metformin anymore, just those 3-4 days last week.

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