Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Metformin as follows:
- Take the medication at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Taking this medication at regularly spaced intervals along with compliance for recommended dietary measures helps to prevent any gross fluctuations in blood sugar numbers and maintain them in the target range.
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Do not change the dose on metformin without consulting your physician.
- Maintain good regular eating habits while taking metformin. Do not skip your meal, while taking any medications to regulate your blood sugars. Skipping a meal or undereating can bring the blood sugars down. Observing compliance with medication intake in the backdrop of skipped meal or undereating can lower the blood sugars to dangerous levels, thus precipitating an emergency.
- Be aware of signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as, dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness, sweating, and hunger, to avoid any episodes of altered levels of consciousness and accidental falls. One should stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until they are used to the side effects caused by metformin.
