Metformin

[tapcin]

I have been taking 22 units of Lantus (Glargine) per evening for yonks. 4 weeks ago, my Diabetologist suggested that I start 1000mg BD of Metformin, after about two years of not taking it, with the aim of reducing my Lantus intake, preferably, he said, to none. I have been taking the Metformin for 3 weeks, now, and there is no perceptible difference in my readings. He is away on a sabbatical now, and I would like some advice, please. Thanks, Nic Jamin (Suffolk)

 

[Dennis]

Hi tapcin,

I doesn't seem very clear exactly what your diabetologist was expecting metformin to do for you. Metformin has two main actions:
- it helps to reduce insulin resistance
- it reduces the amount of excess glucose produced by your liver.

I have never been on insulin so am not really an expert on the subject, but 22 units doesn't sound like a particularly high dose, and I would have expected you to need more if insulin resistance was a major problem.

During the period when you were not taking metformin did you suffer from morning blood sugar levels being considerable higher than the evening levels? That is a classic sign of hepatic glucose production and If you weren't experiencing highs in the mornings then most likely you don't suffer from excessive liver glucose production.

In summary, if you don't have insulin resistance and you don't experience regular glucose overproduction by your liver, then metformin isn't actually going to do anything.