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When to stop metformin?

Just a couple of points here, those who are prescribed Metformin are regularly screened re Kidney function and while AKI is known as a risk factor the gentleman's clear statement of 'association' rather than causal means that more research is needed before a direct causal link can be established.

A personal opinion of mine is that if producers/directors choose to have a presenter dress in scrubs because they think it makes the presenter seem more medically qualified or inteligent or whatever then they are mistaken. I tend to lose patience with this and switch off as I find it a tad patronising.

Having said all that, these snippets of information are great in that they raise awareness and serve to bolster the advice given on the forum re attending regular appointments with DNs etc.
 
Yes renal blood tests are performed on the NHS for all diabetics regardless of metformin but even info leaflet advises if patient has kidney problems then metformin may not be best med.
Also when I've had dye added scans I've ha to stop metformin as both can damage the kidneys.
Also when NHS OKed metformin in pregnancy the kidney development was one of the biggest concern before being approved.
 

Aye, GPs should be aware of any cause for concern re renal issues before prescribing Metformin but as we know mistakes can happen so, as I said, these short info vids are great in that they can raise awareness of such issues. I know from personal experience (once for myself and once for one of my children) that drugs were prescribed that were contraindicated for us both. Blind faith shouldn't always be taken into a doctor's consulting room, we must be at least willing to read the information that comes with the medicines.
 
Currently I’m happy to continue on Metformin for the effects on me for an ACTUAL problem ie type 2 Diabetes. I am regularly monitored for kidney function and won’t stop Metformin because of a POTENTIAL problem. I will of course stop it if my kidney function shows signs of deterioration.
 
Does any one know how often kidney function should be monitored? My surgery forgot to put me in for a retinopathy test and didn't recall me for an hbalc, so I am not trusting them to let me know! Thanks
 
Whilst just on BP meds I was tested yearly in the spring for everything, that’s when I was diagnosed diabetic. However 2 months after diagnosis my kidney function, cholesterol, liver function, red and white cell counts were all checked again along with my HbA1c. Since then every two to three months I’ve just had HbA1c and cholesterol checked, only they left off the cholesterol check by mistake last time, so I escaped the Statin talk!
My next check is end of Feb and dr said to make sure I get HbA1c and cholesterol done, no mention of kidney or liver function so I’m guessing that stays yearly.
 
Kentoldlady1 said:
Does any one know how often kidney function should be monitored? My surgery forgot to put me in for a retinopathy test and didn't recall me for an hbalc, so I am not trusting them to let me know! Thanks
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I have an HbA1c every 6 months, and this includes cholesterol and lipids, kidney & liver functions, eGFR, and full blood count. I had no other medical issues, so this was all for a diabetes check. I am not on any diabetes medication. I should be on 12 monthly blood tests but my nurse is very kind and orders an interim one at my request. She will also add other tests that I ask for, such as bones, vitamins etc. but it is not often I ask for these.
 
@Kentoldlady1 at least annually, that is what your GP is paid to do by us hard pressed taxpayers

@Rachox Urine tests show proteins, so my kidneys are showing early signs of wearing out. I still take metformin at the moment, but only 500mg a day
 
walnut_face said:
@Kentoldlady1 at least annually, that is what your GP is paid to do by us hard pressed taxpayers

@Rachox Urine tests show proteins, so my kidneys are showing early signs of wearing out. I still take metformin at the moment, but only 500mg a day
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Oh I did have a urine test taken in December, it was a health care assistant who asked for it, and wasn’t really sure what it was for, it was just ‘on the system’ that it was due. My results are on line but I don’t understand them!
Can anyone decipher these for me?
 
I discussed this with my doctor as I do have lowered kidney function his take on it was that metformin at low dosage is a minimal risk and the advantages out weighed the risk, but any thing above the minimal dose of metformin would be ill advised.
 

Yes. It is the albumin/creatinine ratio that is important. The individual levels don't matter.
The ratio should be 0 to 3mg/mmol
 
Bluetit1802 said:
Yes. It is the albumin/creatinine ratio that is important. The individual levels don't matter.
The ratio should be 0 to 2.3mg/mmol
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Oh ok, and that’s the bit that’s blank! I’ll just ask at my next review next month. Thanks for your reply.
 
Rachox said:
Oh ok, and that’s the bit that’s blank! I’ll just ask at my next review next month. Thanks for your reply.
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You can work it out. Divide albumin by creatinine.
On my lab report the ratio is given and the standard range next to it is 0 to 3mg/mmol
 
Bluetit1802 said:
You can work it out. Divide albumin by creatinine.
On my lab report the ratio is given and the standard range next to it is 0 to 3mg/mmol
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Yes I read that somewhere but it also said both measurements need to be measured in the same units!
 
Rachox said:
Yes I read that somewhere but it also said both measurements need to be measured in the same units!
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There are converters on the net, but you need to find one that relates to albumin and creatinine, not just general ones. I'll see if I can find one.
 
Bluetit1802 said:
There are converters on the net, but you need to find one that relates to albumin and creatinine, not just general ones. I'll see if I can find one.
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Best of luck I couldn’t!
 
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