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The side effects of Metformin are nausea and sometimes diarrhea. Most of what you were feeling can be attributed to either a hyperglycemic condition or a hypoglycemic condition. My advice would me to purchase a spare meter (of the same brand that you currently own in order to utilize the same strips) and leave this one at work or carry your meter with you. When you are experiencing a hypoglycemic condition, do not over treat the low, eat a 15 carbs and test 15 minutes later (IE the Rule of 15).