MDI and Metformin?

[kerrygrant26]

I was at the diabetes clinic today and I've come home rather puzzled and I am hoping that someone can possibly explain things to me.

So at the moment I am taking MDI (T1) Levemir at bedtime 30units and between 12-14 units of NovoRapid with meals, I've been at this diabetes lark for almost 6 weeks now and to be honest my b.g hasn't come down as much as expected. I have completely changed my diet for the better and stick to no more than 130g carbs a day - could probably do with bringing this down right? Well although my b.g hasn't come down as much as the nurse wants I thought I was doing quite well now that I've got it to low double figures rather than high 20s, it feels like I am doing all this for nothing as I seem to be failing to gain control

Anyway she suddenly springs on me that I need to take Metformin, great I thought until about half an hour ago from some dusty corner in my brain comes the nagging voice telling me that metformin is for t2, are there others out there on metformin to? Is it just me? The prescription won't be ready until Tuesday (my DSN can't prescribe as she hasn't taken the **** course - a rant for another day lol) but I'd just like to know why I need this extra medication all of a sudden, you can probably tell that the nurse isn't really up for explaining things

Feeling confused and a failure

Oh and to top it all off nicely I got a nice long telling about the horrendous side effects! like we don't have enough to deal with!

Just a side note I don't know if anyone will know but I also have Long QT syndrome (heart condition) will the metformin affect this?

 

[catherinecherub]

Hi Kerry,

There are some Type1s who take metformin. They will be able to answer any queries you have.

As to your heart condition, you need to seek medical advice to see if metformin is suitable for you. I think a lot depends on the level of metformin you are prescribed.

 

[mo1905]

I'm T1 and take metformin. My consultant told me it improves insulin sensitivity. My recent DAFNE course confirmed this as one student who was taking fairly large doses of insulin was told metformin can help reduce this.


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[Alanp35]

Hi there
I'm late onset T1 and am also on metformin. I haven't had any of the dreadful side effects being reported by others. Mind you I have been on cyto toxic medication for 14 years and haven't had any side effects from those either. We are all different individual people and as such medications may or may not suit us, may or may not work with us to heal/cure whatever is wrong. Give it a go and if you are not happy about it in any way go back to your GP.
Metformin can help with insulin sensitivity which is good for anyone.



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[totsy]

Hi,
Back at the start i used to be on metformin aswell as insulin, my g.p said it would help my body accept insulin better, to be honest it did work quite well, i was on it about 2 years and didnt get any side effects so it might be worth a try

 

[kerrygrant26]

Thank you all, this makes much more sense to me now but it's just typical that my b.g has been down all day to between 7 and 8 (without metformin) for the first time! I think if they stay down I might just phone the diabetes nurse when I pick up the prescription to see if I still need to take it - can't be on with the gas problems lol

Catherinecherub, I have an appointment with my cardiologist in march so I will put that on my list of things to bore him with along side the diabetes as he doesn't know about that yet

 

[catsbd]

I've been on metformin a few yrs but can only tolerate Bolamyn prolonged release tablets, other metformin tabs give me tummy aches. I take my 4 (500g) tablets at night. I've tried morning and split dose. Taking them at night helps my morning blood sugars. Got put on metformin to help against insulin resistance.
Type 1 on

14 units levirmir am and pm
Various doses of novorapid depending on what I eat.
Simvistatin/fenifibrate
Ramipril

Type 1 - 41 yrs


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[leah niomi]

Hi im Leah im 18 and have had diabetes since i was 5 (type 1). My body is slowly becoming resistant to insulin to my doctor wants me to take metformin too. That was 2 months ago and still haven't started because I don't want the side affects it can cause.

 

[parameswaran]

Hi im Leah im 18 and have had diabetes since i was 5 (type 1). My body is slowly becoming resistant to insulin to my doctor wants me to take metformin too. That was 2 months ago and still haven't started because I don't want the side affects it can cause.

Hi,

I am T2 and taking metformin for aronud 10 years. I think it is the safest medice a diabetic can rely on. Start with a low dose and see whether is upsets your stomach.