Does Metformin really help?

I did two three-month trials ,one with 500x2 Metformin, the next my usual low carb diet ( less than 50c p.d..) The HBA1c results; both 5.8%. I have since tested a standard low carb cereal breakfast (7g carb in 65g of food) with and without Met. over a week. The result was a mean of 0.3% in favour of Metformin. I don't understand the discrepancy - though of course the difference is below the stated accuracy limits of the meter...

I have read somewhere that Met. is more useful at high BG readings than at near-normals. Can't recall the reference.

I have since tested a standard low carb cereal breakfast (7g carb in 65g of food) with and without Met. over a week.

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Do you mean that you took Metformin for a week and then a week without or did you do this all in one week?

Metformin (also known as the brand Glucophage) does help. I take 2 x 500g, and after 1 yr 3 months or so, I have no discernable side effects. My doc put me on 2 x 1000mg to start with, but not only did I have the usual gastric problems, but my hair started falling out at a shocking rate! I have lost 17 kg within the first 5 months after diagnosis, which was not a good idea as it affected my skin, my face -- and probably my hair as well! Haven't gained back anything, but it's probably due to my diet and not Metformin.

No, Metformin does not protect against "certain cancers". Don't know where the poster got that idea from. Also, you need to take extra Vit B12 with Metformin, as the tablet tends to prevent the absorption of this vitamin in the gut. In fact, you need to take adequate magnesium and a strong B Complex daily. And 2 x 1000 mg Omega 3 capsules is not a bad idea.

It's also NOT good for the heart, as some believe. No chemical pill like this is going to be "good for you"!!

Main thing (well, that's what I found) is to cut out carbs. My blood glucose levels seem to be very "sensitive" to wheat/grain products, so I eat almost no bread, certainly no cereals, no cake, cookies, biscuits, whatever is made with grains. It makes my BG shoot up.

Some brown rice doesn't seem to affect my BG much, neither does potatoes in moderation, even chips.

I have wine with my (main) evening meal. This definitely helps keep the BG down, but I am not advocating an alcoholic lifestyle! Everything in moderation.

I do not think my diet is very balanced, but it works for me: almost no fruits (too much sugar), and I have forgotten what dessert and cake taste like! I do not cut down on fats, because it makes you feel fuller and does not affect BG's. I do not mean I eat a fatty diet. I only mean I eat food as it comes, without counting fat calories.

What does worry me greatly is this problem that diabetes grows worse over time! I could really live without that.

I don't know right now what my A1C is, as I am due for blood tests. Five months ago it was 6.1%, which did not make me happy, as I had it down to 5.7% and 5.8%. I have a horrible feeling it's going to be over that magic number this time ...

I have to disagree about it "NOT being good for the heart". I was told this by a very well qualified diabetes specialist and I trust what he says. He wanted a friend of mine to take it (she's a type 1 and therefore on insulin) but she really didn't want to and he accepted her reasons. If you've got a good doctor, he/she will be prepared to listen to your arguments and reach an acceptable compromise.

Hi all,

I don't often jump into a discussion unless I see a statement that can be misleading. I'll try and present what I know about metformin in a manner that does not belittle or deride what another forum contributor has posted and that they believe to be true.

As far as I know :-

Metformin does provide reduced risk of developing pancreatic cancer and also provides protection in lung cancer patients to name a few (its been noted in some studies it actually kills cancer cells). It also has a number of beneficial effects for ladies with PCOS (again some protective properties for cancer and some heart health benefits). Metformin particularly in people with ischemic heart disease has also been shown to be cardioprotective.

Just google away for "metformin cancer", "metformin protective cancer", "metformin heart" etc. no need to bog everybody down with endless lists (that may indicate my bias) when we can all use google and have a real good look around

From an anecdotal point of view both my wife and I have been informed by both GP and specialists of both the cancer and cardio protective properties of metformin.

Thats what I know about it from my point of view but as we have all seen recently I am sure there will be evidence to the contrary :lol:

All the best Richard.

Hi,
just tried to read through this post as i start metforin this week! I am already on 2x 20 units insulatard daily. A new diabetes nurse at the local surgery has insigated the metformin though strangely she seemed happy with my last bloods at 8.1 :shock: I have to say that is high as I was used to try to keep down to 5-7.
I have read all the pros and cons but I must admit my main concern is whether I shall still be able to have my usual few "swift halves" of beer per night
Find it interesting reading through the post also regards side effects people mention with their meds particulary statins, I am on simvastin,atenolol,ramipril plus others yet only get a the odd cough with ramipril now and again.
People seem to mention wind quite a bit with metformin, should I look forward to that little treat or is it not as common as it would seem on here.