Metformin, what Jason Fung says

[xfieldok]

I am re-reading The Diabetic Code, on page 184 of my kindle version, he says that insulin and Metformin move the glucose from the blood (good for our HbA1c) but moves it back into our organs and does not tackle the underlying cause.

I am assuming that unless we can kickstart the pancreas, this is something we are stuck with. I need to lose around a stone, most of my weight is around the middle, so presumably liver, pancreas are clogged up.

Fasting, here I come.

Anyone have any thoughts please?

 

[archersuz]

It is not always possible to kick-start the pancreas. But LCHF helps with weight loss and BG results.

 

[xfieldok]

It is not always possible to kick-start the pancreas. But LCHF helps with weight loss and BG results.

I appreciate that, but unless you try you will never know.

I am wondering whether reducing the Metformin slightly now my HbA1c is 35 would be ok. I am currently on 2000 a day.

 

[archersuz]

I appreciate that, but unless you try you will never know.

I'm not sure how you would know anyway without tests to show how much insulin you have. I'm not really clued up onthis but I understand that there are tests. I have lost a lot of weight, reduced my HbA1c and all my daily finger pricks are non-diabetic levels. BUT I don't know if this is because I am low carb, I am less insulin resistant now, or my pancreas is producing more insulin.
I have never taken metformin so can't advise on reducing or stopping, and I know some people continue to take it for other health benefits. I believe @Rachox may be one of those.

 

[xfieldok]

Thanks. I am still trying to get my head around it all, it's very complicated. I'm just interested in people's views.

 

[rab5]

Not knowing much about this. I would suggest that IF gives your pancreas a rest. If . its rested it might be able to rejuvenate the beta cells required to make insulin.

Maybe it starts here . https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/201...thod-of-regenerating-beta-cells-99269906.html

 

[Rachox]

I do take Metformin. I’m on 1500mg/day.
My HbA1c has been in the 30s since Sept and my GP and I am looking to reduce it in August not sure what to, maybe just 1000mg. I’m not sure of all the ways Metformin works but at the moment I’m happy to stay on it as I’ve read many articles on its other benefits. Here’s one such article:
http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2001/9/report_metformin/Page-01

 

[xfieldok]

Thanks to both of you. Both links very interesting. Lots to think about.

 

[Bluetit1802]

I appreciate that, but unless you try you will never know.

I am wondering whether reducing the Metformin slightly now my HbA1c is 35 would be ok. I am currently on 2000 a day.

With an HbA1c of 35 I am surprised your nurse/GP hasn't already reduced/stopped the Metformin, or at the very least discussed this with you. If your aim is to come off meds, you could try reducing it, gradually, and see what happens. 2000 a day is the maximum dose and to me that is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but it is ultimately your decision.

 

[xfieldok]

@Bluetit1802 I was called to the Surgery by some clinical interface person. I didn't know what it was for, the letter mentioned being made of aware of appointments for feet and retinopathy. I was surprised to be given the test. She weighed me and said I had last 10kg. She said she had never seen such a massive drop. Although I would have been more impressed if she'd had been her 60s rather in her 20s!

I am scheduled for a lab HbA1c in June, I can wait until then.

Edited to halve the weight loss, I wish

 

[ringi]

Personly I think if someone does not get the side effects of Metformin, they should keep taking it untill at least their fasting BG is normal, and their BG does not increase when they fast. (Along with A1c being in the low 30s for a long time.)

Part of what Metformin does is slow down how the liver converts protein to glucose. It is now also being claimed to reduce the risk of some cansor, but fasting may do the same.

Metformin has also been proved to reduce the complications of type2 independently from any reduction in A1c.

 

[Oldvatr]

Not knowing much about this. I would suggest that IF gives your pancreas a rest. If . its rested it might be able to rejuvenate the beta cells required to make insulin.

Maybe it starts here . https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/201...thod-of-regenerating-beta-cells-99269906.html

Mine is in better shape now after following low carb diets and losing midriff fat. I have thankfully regained some beta cell function/ or reduced IR whatever, I have become more carb tolerant. I have reduced my Gliclazide meds significantly, and am now starting to reduce my Metformin because I suffer lactic acidity when I walk energetically. Was on 2000 mg now down to 500 mg a day. My bgl daily average has risen from 6,3 to 7.2 mmol/l in the space of 3 weeks. so I am probably back in the diabetic camp (my last HbA1c was 42, my next will be higher unless I get stricter wih my diet)

As said above, Metformin is not really a diabetes drug, but it helps a bit, and provides additional protection for the heart and vascular system. Since Diabetics seem to be more prone to CVE such as stroke and heart failure, then it may not be good to drop it completely.

 

[xfieldok]

Taking on board everyone's comments. I won't do anything without speaking to my DN first. I know I have a long way to go yet.