Metformin & insulin - who's taking both?

[heleni62]

Hi, I've had good advice in the past from fellow T1s so here's another question. I became insulin dependent in 2010 - I was never diagnosed as Type 2, but had positive antibody tests which showed that the B cells were being destroyed and that I would eventually produce no insulin. I was on metformin and glicazide for about 18 months prior to commencing a basal/bolus insulin regime. However, I was told to keep taking 500mg metformin bd because of it's cardio protective qualities. I have just been seen by a new consultant who has suggested that I stop using metformin because it has no place in the treatment of Type 1s. She was open to discussion and I said I would think about it because I have read quite a bit of research which highlights the wider benefits of metformin use. So my question is this.....how many insulin dependent Type 1s are taking Metformin? I look forward to hearing your replies. Thanks.

 

[cz_dave]

When I was put on insulin, my consultant told me I can dump the Metformin.

 

[fairylights]

I'm on both, was put on metformin when diagnosed and never been off it, I'm overweight though.

 

[jsmith8196]

When I was first diagnosed, they thought it was t2 so i started off on metformin, then after 3 blood tests and alot of hospital appointments thy established it was t1, so I started on insulin but was told to remain on the metformin too. I stopped taking it due to awful stomache aches but was still encouraged to take them. Slightly confused as to why though? surely the insulin is enough?

 

[YorkshireAli]

I'm on both - was insulin only for 18 years after diagnosis, then starting seeing a new consultant, who put me on Metformin as well, to help me become a bit more sensitive to insulin. Don't really know whether it has, though - I do need less quick acting insulin now, but I think that's more to do with the LCHF as my ratio for carbs is still pretty high.

 

[sandra curtis]

Metformin isn't usually prescribed for Type 1 diabetics but your Consultant should know the answer as everybody is unique.

 

[LucySW]

In the UK, Metformin is given only for T 2, but that's just a national style. In the US Metformin is often given along with insulin for T 1, because it means the insulin doses can be lowered. From my reading, I wd be very keen on Met with insulin. Ask @yingtong.

Bernstein also recommends the two together.

 

[fairylights]

I'm in the UK, type 1 and I have it so some clinics/consultants give it to type 1's in the UK. I'm on a pump now and still have it.

 

[Liam1955]

Hi. I am taking both = metformin and Humulin i and I am Type 2.

 

[YorkshireAli]

In the UK, Metformin is given only for T 2, but that's just a national style. In the US Metformin is often given along with insulin for T 1, because it means the insulin doses can be lowered. From my reading, I wd be very keen on Met with insulin. Ask @yingtong.

Bernstein also recommends the two together.

I'm in the UK (northeast England) and, as I've said above, I have both insulin and Metformin as a T1. I realise this is possibly not that common, Metformin isn't exclusively for T2.

 

[Liam1955]

Sorry, I ought to have said I live in North Yorkshire - type 2 on metformin (2000mg) and 38 Units of Humulin i Insulin.

 

[yingtong]

I'm type1 and have been since the Romans were here,I have been taking Metformin for about 12 years.my Endo recommend it to help reduce my insulin resistance and it certainly did,considerably, I am now using a pump and continue to take Metformin.I have been type 1 54years next month and have only a couple of very minor complications.

 

[sandra curtis]

I'm on insulin and metformin .I have always had both although only commenced insulin 3months after diagnosis 15 years ago.Apparently Metformin has some heart protective qualities.

 

[Postitnote]

I am on both. I take 500mg Metformin twice a day with food. I started taking it to help with insulin resistance. I am not certain whether or not it works but I am happy to keep taking it for the wider benefits (as mentioned, heart health).

 

[delmcp]

I am on both and UK based.

 

[Brillpaul]

Likewise - on both since type1 confirmed a month ago.

 

[wannabemammy]

Yup, I'm type 1, Irish and on both insulin and metformin

 

[Melody125]

I also am on both, I had a conversation with my consultant after being told by my GP that I did not need Metformin anymore and he convinced me of the benefits, helps reduce weight gain, insulin is used more efficiently by the body and cardio protection.