1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

Metformin and frequent urination, especially at night: Tips?

Posted by mwilson270 @mwilson270, Dec 7, 2023

I just started Metformin 6 days ago, and last night I was up every 1-1/2 hours to urinate! I can't take this every night. I'm thinking of stopping Metformin?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group.

Mentor
Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor | @cehunt57 | Dec 15, 2023

@mwilson270 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. All meds have unwanted side affects and Metformin is no different. I’m not aware of changes in frequency of urination being one of them. I know that many people have difficulty adjusting to Metformin for a variety of reasons. As a nearly 50+ years diabetic myself I can say that frequent urination is a distinctive symptom of diabetes. It is the bodies’ attempt to get rid of excessive blood sugar. It is what ultimately leads to kidney problems. As a diabetic do you monitor blood sugar? That would be a simple way to rule out that high blood sugar is behind the frequent urination. As others have suggested it is a great idea to have a visit with your endocrinologist. In the meantime a visit to your primary, a urologist or nephrologist to discuss the frequent urination may be helpful. They can help rule out other causes of frequent urination such as urinary tract infections (kidney, bladder). It is also a good idea to make sure you are well hydrated (unless you hear otherwise from your provider). Keep fluids going earlier in the day to prevent further nighttime interruptions.

REPLY
2 replies
mwilson270 | @mwilson270 | Dec 16, 2023
In reply to @cehunt57 "@mwilson270 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. All meds have unwanted side affects and Metformin is no..." + (show)
@cehunt57

@mwilson270 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. All meds have unwanted side affects and Metformin is no different. I’m not aware of changes in frequency of urination being one of them. I know that many people have difficulty adjusting to Metformin for a variety of reasons. As a nearly 50+ years diabetic myself I can say that frequent urination is a distinctive symptom of diabetes. It is the bodies’ attempt to get rid of excessive blood sugar. It is what ultimately leads to kidney problems. As a diabetic do you monitor blood sugar? That would be a simple way to rule out that high blood sugar is behind the frequent urination. As others have suggested it is a great idea to have a visit with your endocrinologist. In the meantime a visit to your primary, a urologist or nephrologist to discuss the frequent urination may be helpful. They can help rule out other causes of frequent urination such as urinary tract infections (kidney, bladder). It is also a good idea to make sure you are well hydrated (unless you hear otherwise from your provider). Keep fluids going earlier in the day to prevent further nighttime interruptions.

Jump to this post

My blood sugar level is 151. I just ordered a glocose monitoring watch?

REPLY
2 replies
Scott R L | @scottrl | Dec 16, 2023

After six days, metformin was still making me feel terrible.

My doc had told me there was an adjustment period of at least a couple weeks. I waited it out. My body adjusted just fine.

Give it time.

REPLY
1 reply
mwilson270 | @mwilson270 | Dec 16, 2023
In reply to @scottrl "After six days, metformin was still making me feel terrible. My doc had told me there..." + (show)
@scottrl

After six days, metformin was still making me feel terrible.

My doc had told me there was an adjustment period of at least a couple weeks. I waited it out. My body adjusted just fine.

Give it time.

Jump to this post

Thanks for the advice!

REPLY
1 reply
Scott R L | @scottrl | Dec 16, 2023
In reply to @mwilson270 "Thanks for the advice!" + (show)
@mwilson270

Thanks for the advice!

Jump to this post

Glad to help.

One thing -- don't ever take it on an empty stomach. I made that mistake only once. I was miserable.

REPLY
collegeprof | @collegeprof | Dec 17, 2023
In reply to @cehunt57 "@mwilson270 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. All meds have unwanted side affects and Metformin is no..." + (show)
@cehunt57

@mwilson270 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. All meds have unwanted side affects and Metformin is no different. I’m not aware of changes in frequency of urination being one of them. I know that many people have difficulty adjusting to Metformin for a variety of reasons. As a nearly 50+ years diabetic myself I can say that frequent urination is a distinctive symptom of diabetes. It is the bodies’ attempt to get rid of excessive blood sugar. It is what ultimately leads to kidney problems. As a diabetic do you monitor blood sugar? That would be a simple way to rule out that high blood sugar is behind the frequent urination. As others have suggested it is a great idea to have a visit with your endocrinologist. In the meantime a visit to your primary, a urologist or nephrologist to discuss the frequent urination may be helpful. They can help rule out other causes of frequent urination such as urinary tract infections (kidney, bladder). It is also a good idea to make sure you are well hydrated (unless you hear otherwise from your provider). Keep fluids going earlier in the day to prevent further nighttime interruptions.

Jump to this post

@cehunt57 Great analysis, Cheryl I know when I go to the urologist, he checks to see if I am emptying my bladder sufficiently. I have not taken metformin for years, but as a guess, my first choice would be a urologist to consult and scope.

REPLY
madmouse43 | @madmouse43 | Dec 18, 2023

I was taking Metformin for over 50 years and did not have the problem you stated. The problem I finally had with Metformin was projectile diarrhea which was the reason my PCP took me off it advising me that if my A1C went above 7.2 I would be back on it.
I also have BPH (enlarged prostate) which causes frequent urination mainly at night (abt every 2hrs). For the men reading this I now take Tamsulosin and an OTC (Prostate Pro) and stop drinking at 7:30pm and this has helped quite a bit.

REPLY
1 reply
mwilson270 | @mwilson270 | Dec 18, 2023

Thanks, I have an enlarged Prostate too. I also take Tamsulosin.

REPLY
Mentor
Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor | @cehunt57 | Dec 18, 2023
In reply to @mwilson270 "My blood sugar level is 151. I just ordered a glocose monitoring watch?" + (show)
@mwilson270

My blood sugar level is 151. I just ordered a glocose monitoring watch?

Jump to this post

I don’t have any experience with a glucose monitoring watch. I have a continual glucose monitor (Dexcom G6) and a plain (old fashioned) glucometer.

REPLY
nova1976 | @nova1976 | Dec 19, 2023

I just started metformin. No side effects

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.