role of metformin in diabetes

[5] Women with PCOS who are insulin resistant are at high risk for the development of diabetes in pregnancy, and a possible role for metformin therapy may be the prevention of GDM. In a cohort of 33 women with PCOS taking metformin until delivery, GDM occurred in 3% compared with 23% in 39 women taking no medication.[4,6] However, given the lack of data from well-designed, prospective clinical trials, metformin is currently not indicated for the prevention of GDM.

The recent findings suggest a new link between the metabolic pathways deregulated in cancer and diabetes and their role in immune cell function. The results suggest that common diabetic therapies which alter cellular metabolism may enhance T-cell memory, providing a boost to the immune system. This could lead to novel strategies for vaccine and anti-cancer therapies.

By analyzing the role of the AMP kinase enzyme in Hepatitis C viral proliferation, University of Leeds researchers have discovered that certain traditional diabetes drugs prevent Hepatitis C viral replication. New Use for Old Drugs in Treating Hepatitis C? August 5, 2010 Research led by the University of Leeds has found drugs such as anti-diabetic drug Metformin and AICAR, used to combat obesity, can prevent the hepatitis C virus from replicating in the body.

For certain people with PCOS, a specialist may advise that metformin be taken. However, further research is needed to confirm the role of these medicines in the treatment of PCOS.

Hi, I am a 40 year old male who, and have been fit and healthy until a few years ago. I started getting pains in my stomach and back (right side) and down the front of my right leg, no pressure when urinating, and feeling generally unwell (sick, dizzy). I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year and have been on metformin for about 2 years. This has controlled the blood sugar levels but all the symptoms are still present.

Diet and moderate exercise play a large role in controlling diabetes and has been discussed many times on this forum. Take the time to read through previous posts for there are a lot of good sound suggestions, including links to web sites on how to manage/control diabetes. Its important too that your husband keeps the glucose at a steady level. Large spikes and dips should be avoided. Good luck.

Thanks for the feedback. We'll get Metformin added to the list of treatments in the Diabetes Tracker soon. We'll let you know when it's available.

His science makes sense and I have seen the reversal of diabetes with an over haul of diet and exercise.

I am taking Metformin at 3000mgm per day for diabetes and I have pains in my lower chest is this related?

have you check your insulin after using metformin im sure your levels are much lower right now , i assume your doctor dont see any risks in your case thats probably why acts lightheartedly , ( good BMI +metformin + good diet = low risk unless you have close relatvie with diabetes ) i think best thing is check it again just to put your mind at ease , i wil ask mine aswell since my doctors wasnt good to comunicate either and they only made me more confused each visit , first one who diagn

I have diabetes 2 take metformin extended release shortness of breath hasgotten very very bad had to do anything. can metformin have anything to do with this?

been on metformin 500 mg 2x a day...over last 2 wks suagrs have been in upper 200...so my Dr. increased my metformin to 850 mg 2x a day... i just took i pill today but my numbers sre still over 200 ..Is there an adjustment of how many days till new mg. starts to work...

What are the tabs your doctor gave you? Metformin is used for both PCOS and diabetes.

increased sleepiness or unexplained lethargy, weakness, decreased or slowed heart rate, cold sensations, stomach pains, or FEELING LIGHT HEADED or have fainted either before or after taking Metformin she could be showing some of the symptoms of lactic acidosis. This is a dangerous syndrome and requires immediate medical attention. Contact her doctor and inform him/her of your mother's situation asap.

should I be on insulin instead of or in addition to metformin? usually on the cvs meter my readings are lower but are these inaccurate?

HI, Metformin is beneficial in women with PCOS, perhaps by reducing insulin resistance, and is often used if there are features such as insulin resistance, diabetes, or obesity. In a recent multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, metformin increased live-birth rates compared to placebo with the most beneficial effect seen in obese women. Treatment should be taken in consultation with a gynaecologist and an endocrinologist. Hope this helps.

They also have programs to explain diets, medications and to help the individual patient manage diabetes in every hospital. As a matter of fact, the VA model for evaluating and treating diabetics is the best of any hospital I know (and I know about three dozen intimately). The primary care physician and the endochronologist. All are involved in the care of a patient.

I was diagnosed with diabetes 2 weeks ago. The Dr. prescribed metformin. I asked for a referral to an endocrinologist since I have an autoimmune disease (Stiff person syndrome + not overweight, normal blood pressure and choloesterol is normal). They said they would refer me to an endocrinologist. 6 days later hadn't heard anythoing from an endocrinoligst so called the Dr.'s office and they resent the referal. Week later still haven't heard anything from an endocrinologist.

Decreasing the amount of sugar produced by the liver. Increasing the amount of sugar absorbed by muscle cells and decreasing the body's resistance to insulin (insulin resistance). When blood sugar is lower, less insulin is needed, so the body makes less insulin. And when insulin is lower, the body produces a lower level of androgens.

His glucose level has been over 200 for the last 5 years. He is taking 2000 mg of metformin, and 20 glipozide. It is not working. He has to be under 200 in order to drive, so he has really been eating correctly this week and checking and checking maybe double dosing medications. His level bounces up and down 50 points within 10 minutes of the last checking. Is it normal to go up and down so rapidly? We are using 2 checkers to make sure there wasnt a malfunction.

060) - dr is saying that he does not think I have diabetes at all, and he wants to withdraw the Metformin. (I am in Canada if that makes a dif in reults). My question is - isn't my A1C good BECAUSE I take the Metformin? I mean, isn't that what its for - to get back within range with blood sugars? Does this result say to YOU that I do not have diabetes after all? What will happen to me if he withdraws the Metformin?

Not everyone tolerates them equally. One side effect of Metformin is weakness. Also, taking Metformin in quarters is below the recommended dose and is so minimal, I highly doubt it has any affect on helping to lower your glucose [blood sugar] level. You should check with your doctor about other oral diabetes medications, that is, if you wish to continue treating your potential diabetes. "...I do not have any symptoms at all." Not everyone has diabetes symptoms.

It is also a new practice (Joslin diabetes center - one of the world'sleading diabetes management and research centres) to start all persons with diabetes on insulin instead of oral meds. Glipizide is a drug that makes your pancreas put out more insulin so it can cause lows. It can also make your pancreas burn out faster. So do research this and consider stopping this drug (in coordination with your Dr.) Metformin does not have this effect. So you can ask your Dr.

Had not heard of the Substance P thing. Will check it out. Thanks for the input.

This question is not exactly about Diabetes, but because metformin HCL is used in Diabetes treatment, I would like to know of any of you has experience with this medicine. Can you tell me about its side effects? Recently I went for a checkup and my doctor gave me Metformin for weight loss (It suddently went up to 99 kg though I was at 85 before and was following a strict diet plan).

I am at present taking metformin 2 tablets a day & 2 1/2 Gliclazide the metformin doesnt agree with me so would rather not increase these I 'm asking please if is it possable that if i take the drug sitagliptin it would mean i could reduce the gliclazide and stop the mrtformin my Diabetes is well controlled on the whole but my nurse as requested i increase the glicazide

Role of metformin in diabetes

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