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Interesting article, you might not want to lose the metformin

It's a great outline of a lot of the processes involved (and I admit to having a huge crush on Robb Wolf ;)), but I guess I have two quibbles with the wonders of metformin:

(1) a not insignificant number of people simply cannot tolerate metformin. Great for you if you can - sucks for you if you can't.
(2) the effect of long term metformin use (probably in combination with specific genetic factors) on B12 absorption. Many Type 2's are also on drugs like Nexium which further interfere with nutrient absorption. A lot of the latter's long term effects are only now being revealed, yet they're approved for OTC sale :woot:
 
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Yes the B12 problem is a real issue but it is easily solved by supplementation. I know there are issues in the UK with having access to proper treatment for B12 deficiency. And yes some people simply can't take metformin as they cannot tolerate it, but for those who can and are willing to keep an eye on their B12 status it might be to greater advantage to continue taking it as opposed to stopping it as soon as possible. The same cannot be said of most of the other oral diabetes drugs.
 
Not just in the UK. When I mentioned it to my GP he looked at me in surprise and then said "It's not on the list of tests". Sigh.

Not that it mattered in the end because I turned out to be one of the unlucky ones who had a bad reaction to metformin - though not the usual reaction that people seem to have. I got bleeding gastritis and subsequent low ferritin as a result of taking the minimal dose. Thank gawd I didn't take a higher one.
 
My GP said here is metformin, take B12. Then he proceeded to give me a shot of B12. When I told him I was taking D3 he told me to double my dose to 2000 mcg
 
Good for your doctor. Most of them go by the RDA when prescribing. I hope you are getting the D3 through him.

What is 2000 mcg in ius?
 
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That's more like it! Good for your doctor! I'm on about 800 and I am having leg pains .....
 
I was disappointed when my GP first said I had to go on metformin, but when she said it might reduce cardiovascular and cancer risks, I was on it like shot. I am happy to continue taking it along with a B12 tab.
 
Thanks Indy. I think one is advised too to stop supplements one week prior to testing.
 
chalup said:
Yes the B12 problem is a real issue but it is easily solved by supplementation. I know there are issues in the UK with having access to proper treatment for B12 deficiency. And yes some people simply can't take metformin as they cannot tolerate it, but for those who can and are willing to keep an eye on their B12 status it might be to greater advantage to continue taking it as opposed to stopping it as soon as possible. The same cannot be said of most of the other oral diabetes drugs.
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I have been taking 2000 mg Metformin for around 15 years now, and recently had a B12 test. I have high level of B12 so I am contrary to this. Seems that this may only affect some people.
 
Oldvatr said:
I have been taking 2000 mg Metformin for around 15 years now, and recently had a B12 test. I have high level of B12 so I am contrary to this. Seems that this may only affect some people.
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There seems to be quite a strong genetic factor involved, same as there are people who are prone to pernicious anemia etc.
 
asparagusp said:
Was it an active B12 test? See my post above.
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Don't know it was a one off plasma blood test done by the lab on GP request. I stopped supplementing some time ago since it did not seem to be having any benefit for me, and I take too many pills as it is.

The reason I asked for the test was that I was on a PPI med that also prevents proper absorbtion, and a diuretic that removes whatever I did manage to absorb. I have now changed my scrip to reduce these contrary effects.
 
I just eat a whole load of Marmite it's chock full of B12.

Doctor only let me back on Metformin as it helps control weight as an appetite suppressant.

Further edit to add I am on Adcal-D3 also as take steroids.
 
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