Metformin is a cornerstone within the therapy of kind 2 diabetes, lengthy used for its effectiveness in managing blood sugar ranges. However its usefulness extends past this conventional function, providing potential advantages for a wide range of folks dwelling with diabetes.
As we discover the experiences of individuals like Kat Schroeder, we uncover the methods through which metformin is efficient not only for kind 2 but additionally for kind 1 diabetes in some people.
Schroeder, who has lived with kind 1 for the previous 29 years and is a software program engineer dwelling outdoors of Washington, DC, has been taking metformin for her diabetes administration for the previous seven years.
She sat down with us to share her story.
How did you get began taking metformin?
“Again in 2017, I observed my blood glucose (sugar) management and A1c (a measure of glucose management over the earlier 2 to three months) plateauing, largely as a consequence of insulin resistance. My physician beneficial that I begin taking metformin to assist enhance my diabetes administration.”
Whereas she was initially hesitant to begin taking the medicine, Schroeder needed to deal with her insulin resistance — a situation through which the physique doesn’t use insulin effectively — and rising blood sugar ranges, so she determined to offer metformin an opportunity.
Why did your physician need you to take metformin?
Whereas insulin resistance is usually related to kind 2 diabetes, there may also be a genetic predisposition for the situation in some folks with kind 1 diabetes, significantly those that have had diabetes for an prolonged interval or who’ve components akin to weight problems or a sedentary way of life that contribute to its growth.
Nevertheless, sources and drugs aren’t all the time available, just because many individuals don’t perceive that these with kind 1 diabetes additionally expertise insulin resistance.
Schroeder explains it this manner:
“We had been steadily engaged on bettering my glucose management and A1c, however I used to be nonetheless operating excessive very often and my A1c had plateaued within the 7s, so [my healthcare provider] beneficial beginning metformin to deal with that with out rising my threat for lows.”
Merely rising the quantity of insulin you soak up a day can enhance the danger of hypoglycemia, or lows, whereas not doing something to deal with the underlying reason for insulin resistance.
Accordingly, many medical doctors at the moment are prescribing metformin and different diabetes drugs to folks with various kinds of diabetes to assist tackle the underlying causes of their excessive blood sugar ranges and insulin resistance.
Did you expertise any unwanted side effects?
Schroeder did expertise a few of the typical unwanted side effects from taking metformin. She says,
“I had the GI unwanted side effects that appear to be fairly frequent: upset abdomen, extra frequent bowel actions, some diarrhea. They appeared to put on off after about six to eight weeks as my physique adjusted.”
Study extra about a few of the gastrointestinal unwanted side effects in: Can Metformin Trigger Diarrhea?
Uncomfortable side effects are regular when taking metformin, particularly whenever you first start taking the medicine.
For some folks, together with Schroeder, the unwanted side effects could also be extreme sufficient that they cease taking the medicine.
She notes,
“Just lately I needed to cease taking it for about 4 months, and after I restarted it I skilled a decreased urge for food and a few nausea, however I count on that to put on off as nicely.”
Examine unwanted side effects in: Metformin Facet Results (Frequent and Critical).
Has your diabetes administration improved since taking metformin?
Schroeder says that surely her diabetes administration is each higher and simpler with the addition of metformin.
“With my CGM [continuous glucose monitor] knowledge, I can see fairly clearly that my blood sugar is extra conscious of insulin. As an alternative of combating to chase a excessive for hours that I didn’t bolus appropriately for, I can often head it off inside an inexpensive timeframe. Additionally, I’ve fewer spikes generally.”
Utilizing metformin for diabetes administration can imply higher blood sugar and A1c ranges with out rising the quantity of insulin you’re taking.
Moreover, addressing the underlying causes of insulin resistance may also stop extra weight achieve in folks with each kind 1 and sort 2 diabetes.
Learn extra in: Indicators Metformin Is Working (Or Isn’t Working).
How lengthy did you’re taking metformin? Are you continue to taking the medicine?
Apart from a number of pauses, Schroeder has been taking metformin steadily since 2017. She says,
“I’m nonetheless taking it now and plan on taking it into the long run!”
Did something shock you about taking metformin?
Schroeder says she didn’t notice that individuals with kind 1 diabetes may take metformin.
“When it was prescribed to me, I believed it was just for [people with type 2], however each [person with diabetes] can find yourself coping with insulin resistance for one cause or one other. Metformin is so useful in addressing that. That notion continues amongst loads of medical doctors who don’t have as a lot expertise with diabetes, so you will have to handle their ignorance when looking for healthcare.”
Metformin was first accepted by the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating kind 2 diabetes in 1994.
Nevertheless, many medical doctors are conscious of how efficient this medication is for combating insulin resistance and so prescribe the medicine “off-label” (with out FDA approval) to folks with different situations, together with kind 1 diabetes, prediabetes, and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
Study extra in: Metformin for Prediabetes: The Professionals & Cons and Metformin for PCOS (Advantages and Facet Results).
There could also be some medical insurance hurdles to clear for those who would not have kind 2 diabetes and want to take metformin and have it lined by your insurance coverage. But when your physician has prescribed it to you for treating insulin resistance, they’ve good cause to take action.
Discover out extra about the usage of metformin in kind 1 in: Metformin for Kind 1 Diabetes: Professionals and Cons.
Is the medicine reasonably priced for you?
As a result of Schroeder has kind 1 diabetes and never kind 2, the query of value vis-à-vis insurance coverage protection is prime of thoughts. Fortunately, she says that metformin is reasonably priced beneath her insurance coverage.
“My insurance coverage considers it a generic medicine, so the copay may be very attainable and reasonably priced for me.”
Do you may have any suggestions or recommendation for folks seeking to take metformin?
Schroeder wholeheartedly believes in adapting your diabetes administration plan to your particular person wants and well being objectives, and never letting something get in your manner of attaining good well being.
She says,
“I believe it’s useful to coach your self in regards to the unwanted side effects earlier than you start taking metformin, as some medical doctors are inclined to gloss over them, but additionally remember the fact that your physique ought to alter with time. If it doesn’t, chances are you’ll wish to take into account different choices along with your physician’s steering.”
Metformin works for her, and this efficient and reasonably priced medicine might also be just right for you, particularly for those who’re coping with cussed excessive blood sugar and A1c ranges and insulin resistance.
Closing ideas
Metformin is a typical prescription medicine in america that’s FDA-approved for treating kind 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, the medication could also be applicable for treating underlying insulin resistance in folks with any kind of diabetes.
It’s reasonably priced, accessible, and very efficient for reducing blood sugar and A1c ranges. It’s possible you’ll expertise opposed unwanted side effects, together with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea whenever you first begin taking the medicine, however these unwanted side effects ought to lower over time.
When you would not have kind 2 diabetes, verify along with your insurance coverage plan to see if it’ll cowl the medicine. That mentioned, as a result of metformin is generic, folks discover that it’s nonetheless comparatively reasonably priced even when they have to pay the money worth. (The price for metformin oral tablets [500 mg] is round $11 for a 30-day provide with out insurance coverage.)
Converse along with your physician for those who’re interested in taking metformin, the professionals and cons of the medicine, and whether or not together with it in your diabetes routine is suitable for you.
Study extra about this medication in: All the pieces You Have to Know About Metformin.
