Should I go back on Metformin?

[Inchindown]

I was taken off Metformin last October after I had a mild heart attack. They said it was because the contrast fluid used when inserting several stents had affected my kidney function and that metformin could make things worse.

My most recent HBa1c showed an improvement from 56 to 52. About half of the test period would have been without any metformin. I'm due another Hba1c test next week to see if the improvement is continuing.

So it seems I'm doing not bad just with diet and exercise at the moment. I'm not in total control of my food as I still have some problems with binge eating. Although I can say I've been having far less binge sessions since the heart attack than I used to.

So the question is, given I seem to managing ok without metformin, should I tell the doctor I don't want to go back on Metformin? Or is it more sensible to keep taking the pills.

I've never had any bad symptoms from taking metformin.

Thanks.

 

[Kittycat_7_]

I'd be very careful about your kidney function. My uncle can't take Metformin because of kidney probs.
There are probably better drugs, discuss with your dr.

 

[Bluetit1802]

You seem to be doing pretty well without it. Metformin really doesn't do much to help your blood sugar levels. Just a bit, but not much.

Do you know what your kidney function test results were? If you knew that you could be armed with more information before you see the doctor. Perhaps ring the surgery, speak to the receptionist, and ask for a print out of the last test results. Your kidney function stuff should be on that.

 

[JohnEGreen]

from NICE Guidelines.

"
Recommendation:
In adults with type 2 diabetes, review the dose of metformin if the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is below 45 ml/minute/1.73m2:
Stop metformin if the eGFR is below 30 ml/minute/ 1.73m2."

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG28

My eGFR is at 50 my GP is happy for me to continue taking Metformin at the minimal dose.

 

[Valdredfroliperundrex]

Hello @Inchindown , How far into next week is your HBa1c due ? Maybe have the test and when having the blood sample taken maybe ask when you get the result if you should re-start your Metformin or not ?
At least your putting that decision in the hand of your GP ! Good luck !

 

[Mbaker]

Kidney function trumps Metformin usage, it can be a contra-indicative use.

 

[Inchindown]

Hello @Inchindown , How far into next week is your HBa1c due ? Maybe have the test and when having the blood sample taken maybe ask when you get the result if you should re-start your Metformin or not ?
At least your putting that decision in the hand of your GP ! Good luck !

I'm having the test on Monday. That'll be about a month after the previous test. The doctor wanted to see if the improvement seen on the previous test is continuing before making a decision on whether I should go back on Metformin.

So I expect to have a conversation with the doctor once the result of next week's test is known.

 

[Valdredfroliperundrex]

I'm having the test on Monday. That'll be about a month after the previous test. The doctor wanted to see if the improvement seen on the previous test is continuing before making a decision on whether I should go back on Metformin.

So I expect to have a conversation with the doctor once the result of next week's test is known.

Sounds like a formidable plan !