Metformin and fatty liver

[AshrafUM920]

Hi, I'm still on 2000g of metformin a day.
I have fatty liver at 166. I have not been told by my doctor to stop metformin but I'm stressing I have googled and found that metformin shouldn't be used by people with liver problems. I'm assuming that's also "fatty liver" does anyone who's had fatty liver and continued to use metformin sr had any decrease in diabetes complication or anything bad happened?

Thanks all.

 

[ziggy_w]

Hi, I'm still on 2000g of metformin a day.
I have fatty liver at 166. I have not been told by my doctor to stop metformin but I'm stressing I have googled and found that metformin shouldn't be used by people with liver problems. I'm assuming that's also "fatty liver" does anyone who's had fatty liver and continued to use metformin sr had any decrease in diabetes complication or anything bad happened?

Thanks all.

Hi @UsmanMo96 -- Like many of us T2s, I was also had fatty liver when first diagnosed. Was put on 2000mg of metformin right away. Blood sugars normalized within three months after going on low carb. (Note: Metformin was reduced after the first half year and eliminated after one year) First liver function tests after half a year and while still on the full dosis of metformin came back much improved and ALT, AST and GGT came back within normal limits.

So, in my case metformin wasn't a problem. If you are concerned, I would suggest talking to your GP (as we can't advice on medication.)

 

[ringi]

Metformin to a limited extent protects the Liver from getting more fatty. (Very Low-carb works much better to remove fat from the liver).

The issue is that if someone has very poor liver function, their liver may not cope with any drug that the liver breaks down. If your liver function was that bad, you would be seeing a liver consultant with an appointment within days of the GP getting the test results.

(Kidneys are much the same with Metformin)

 

[AshrafUM920]

Hi @UsmanMo96 -- Like many of us T2s, I was also had fatty liver when first diagnosed. Was put on 2000mg of metformin right away. Blood sugars normalized within three months after going on low carb. (Note: Metformin was reduced after the first half year and eliminated after one year) First liver function tests after half a year and while still on the full dosis of metformin came back much improved and ALT, AST and GGT came back within normal limits.

So, in my case metformin wasn't a problem. If you are concerned, I would suggest talking to your GP (as we can't advice on medication.)

I have cut out cereals and drinks and all the other junk food, I have also cut out orange juice or fruits too, my liver atl was 166, I wasnt referred to anyone else I was told to retest in another few weeks and I'm yet to await my results, my liver atl was 17 4 years ago which is where I want it back I was the same weight too. I had a ultrasound done to confirm the fatty liver but dont know how bad the damage is but I'm trying my best to eat good and stay away from high carb foods.

 

[AshrafUM920]

Metformin to a limited extent protects the Liver from getting more fatty. (Very Low-carb works much better to remove fat from the liver).

The issue is that if someone has very poor liver function, their liver may not cope with any drug that the liver breaks down. If your liver function was that bad, you would be seeing a liver consultant with an appointment within days of the GP getting the test results.

(Kidneys are much the same with Metformin)

I have had another liver profile test done and am awaiting the results. I'm worried that the high dosage would worsen my liver but i need to continue using my medication otherwise my blood sugar would go high I was told nothing could be done other than losing weight ant eating low carb

 

[ziggy_w]

I have cut out cereals and drinks and all the other junk food, I have also cut out orange juice or fruits too, my liver atl was 166, I wasnt referred to anyone else I was told to retest in another few weeks and I'm yet to await my results, my liver atl was 17 4 years ago which is where I want it back I was the same weight too. I had a ultrasound done to confirm the fatty liver but dont know how bad the damage is but I'm trying my best to eat good and stay away from high carb foods.

Great job reducing all these carbs, @UsmanMo96. Fructose is the worst culprit. If interested, you might want to google Dr. Robert Lustig on this.

It might take a bit, but you should eventually get to normal ALT levels if you continue this way of eating. Keeping my fingers crossed that your next set of results will show much improvement.

 

[AshrafUM920]

Great job reducing all these carbs, @UsmanMo96. Fructose is the worst culprit. If interested, you might want to google Dr. Robert Lustig on this.

It might take a bit, but you should eventually get to normal ALT levels if you continue this way of eating. Keeping my fingers crossed that your next set of results will show much improvement.

I have watched Dr Lustig videos before, I've seen Dr Unwin and Dr Jason Fung too, I'll see whether it has come down since I had my liver profile test done last week. I'm hoping its come down last 3 years it was hovering around 80 and 90. I know its suppose to be under 42

 

[Resurgam]

Avoiding fructose is a really good idea as it has to be processed in the liver and gets stored there, from what I understand.
Since being diagnosed and cutting right back on carbs my middle has softened and shrunk down, I could not bend over without my ribs being pushed out, and my breathing impeded. Now I can even wash out the bottom of the fridge!!

 

[AshrafUM920]

Avoiding fructose is a really good idea as it has to be processed in the liver and gets stored there, from what I understand.
Since being diagnosed and cutting right back on carbs my middle has softened and shrunk down, I could not bend over without my ribs being pushed out, and my breathing impeded. Now I can even wash out the bottom of the fridge!!

Avoiding fructose is a really good idea as it has to be processed in the liver and gets stored there, from what I understand.
Since being diagnosed and cutting right back on carbs my middle has softened and shrunk down, I could not bend over without my ribs being pushed out, and my breathing impeded. Now I can even wash out the bottom of the fridge!!

I shall do my best it's a long road ahead but I'll eventually repair my body.