Is It Time To Quit Metformin?

PickledPixie said:

12 years on Metformin, 1g x 2 daily. I've always had the toilet problems.

I am on insulin and struggling to get BG under control, but working on the LCHF way of life.

I do not see any benefit to carrying on with Metformin and feel the drug is being forced on me by my Consultant, with them telling me about how it protects my heart etc.

I feel I am wise enough to make my own decision, but wondered about other people's opinions?

Being completely honest, I only ever wanted to go on Metformin when I was diagnosed in 2005 because I was told I had PCOS, but the drug has never really improved things relating to that.

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One of the things Metformin work on is insulin resistance, which is always helpful. It can also dent the apetite a bit, which can be useful for anyone trying to trim up a bit.

There is a slow release version of Metformin, which is much kinder to tummies. Have you tried that, or asked for it in the past? It is a bit more costly than standard Metformin, which is most probably why it isn't the first port of call.

Nobody here can tell you what take and not e to take, when it comes to medicines, but if you do decide to try without it, if it is helping with any insulin resistance you have, your numbers may go up a little, so just be aware.

My personal opinion is that you are in charge of your health but I also don't agree with taking unilateral action. So, tell your consultant that you don't wish to take them anymore. If your consultant is unhappy with it then at least he knows that you wish to stop and no-one is deceiving anyone.

Dont Quit metformin.
Its the drug of choice for type 2 diabetes as it causes weight loss.

Why don't you want to take it?

I really understand the problems with Metformin - if it had any effect on my blood glucose levels I might be feeling anxious, but it was such a relief to be able to leave the house again, to be able to leave the sheets on the bed for more than one night, not needing to change my clothes several times a day - though the new carpet/upholstery cleaner is, I suppose, a bonus.
If normal life is suspended, what is the use of protecting one's heart? Far better to hope for release from a miserable existence than live with the pain and embarrassment.
On Atkins I don't even have a diabetic level for Hba1c.

douglas99 said:

Why don't you want to take it?

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Did you see what the OP wrote?

PickledPixie said:

12 years on Metformin, 1g x 2 daily. I've always had the toilet problems

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12 years of upset tum!.. I only lasted 3 weeks and stopped taking them... You deserve a medal!

I was on Metformin and then changed to the SR version. I have suffered painful bloating to the extent that people would ask when my baby was due! I had loss of appetite and struggled to swallow every mouthful. I had many tests done and in the end my Dr suggested I stop taking Metformin for a while. Within days my stomach problems were better and my sugar levels also reduced. My Dr put me back on Metformin as he said even a low dose was beneficial but the misery started all over again. I will never take it again. I still have some stomach problems occasionally and I feel this is a result of long term damage caused by years of metformin. It may be a super drug but the misery just wasn't worth it for me

I am on metformin SR. I take 1 tablet a day as I also suffered horrendous toilet trouble to the point I couldn't leave the house. I just stopped taking it even though I was told not to, it's ok for someone to say that when they don't have to deal with it. I was in 4 a day to start with and I defiantly didn't lose weight in it. However I am now on insulin twice a day with one metformin and just recently started the newish drug forxgia (sorry can't spell) which supposedly helps with weight loss, but in turn causes terrible thrush, headaches and to pee a lot more than I do already. I have never taken my diabetes seriously for the first 3 years and Iam suffering some minor consequences like background retinopathy but Good thing now though is I've not put on any more weight (or lost) my levels are as low as they have ever been and I generally feel loads better. I was averaging between 15 - 20 and now Iam as low as 7. My point being, it works differently with each person and you know your own body better than anyone and if you feel the way you do about it seek advice and help for your dr or a diabetic specialist? I can put up with minor issues if it means long term health. Good luck x