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Pros and Cons of Metformin - What are your experiences?
Diabetes & Endocrine System | Last Active: Mar 16 9:37am | Replies (5)Comment receiving replies
I was going to quit taking it - (my now deceased at age 71) holistic doc was fiercely against ALL prescription drugs including vitamins) but I was told that Metformin extended life span by 7 years and they were unsure why, but it was the BEST longevity drug that they have ever found. So while the research about why it works so well is still underway as far as I know, it is highly recommended. I take 500 AM and PM, so 1000 a day. My new anti-aging doc has recommended (and prescribed) 1000 AM and PM. That gave me loose bowels, so I backed off the higher dose. But he - and my docs at Mayo - highly recommend it. And at some point, I probably will try the high dose again and see if I can power through the side effects.
Replies to "I was going to quit taking it - (my now deceased at age 71) holistic doc..."
I had been on Metformin for over 40 years. It did help with my A1C. About three years ago I started to have episodes of what I call explosive diarrhea, so my PCP took me off of it. I have been on the generic version of Tragenta (perhaps only avail through the VA) and that kept me stable as part of my regimen, but that is no longer available. My endocrinologist put me on the generic version of Jardiance 25mg, and started me on Ozempic about 6 months ago. I have lost some weight but what I was most happy to see is my A1C is now down to 6.5 and slowly decreasing.
I have done a lot of anecdotal research on this topic because of the Perpheral Neuropathy that I have acquired. One thing I have learned over these several years is that there are no magic bullets. What works for one may not work for anyone else and what works for everyone else may not work for you. Do your due diligence
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I was on Metformin and it did keep my sugar under control allowing me to eat a wider variety of foods. But it also gave me loose stools. I went to tradjenta which works very well but is very expensive. The latest government/Medicare for 2025 has reduced the cost by keeping ceiling on the cost. The best method is by exercise and diet. I am currently working on improving my diet.