Hi, Debbie. You got a very complete explanation from Pianoman. I would just add - that I too couldn't bear the Metformin - BUT -- for a lot of people there are gastric issues at first. Pretty awful -- and the docs don't tell you how bad it can be. It's funny they give you warnings for every other thing that could get them sued - but they don't tell diabetics that the first few weeks you're on Metformin you can have 'doubling over' gastic issues.. Uggh. I hate the medical profession sometimes. BUT -- even for people for whom they eventually tolerate it well - there is often an adjustment period that can take from 4-6 weeks. Even for me - things got a 'little better' after several weeks- but - not better enough for me to live with it the rest of my life. After 3 months I just had to give up. The great news is that insulin, alone, is just as effective or even moreso, in stabilizing a diabetic's blood sugar throughout the day. So though doctors really prefer Metformin as a first line of attack - insulin, is being shown to be be more effective when used as a first line of defense. So though I think it's worth you giving Metformin a few more weeks - if you eventually choose it's changing the quality of life too much - talk to your doctor about just being on slow and fast acting insulin. My doctor was perfectly fine with that regimen and was actually pleased I'd ask for it.onemanandhiswife said:Hi, Does anyone know why some type 2s have to take Metformin as well as insulin? I'm taking both and I really don't get on well with Metformin and wondered if it is even necessary while on insulin.
Debbie in Devon
