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At "normal doses" metformin typically doesn't cause hypoglycemia. Its mechanism of action per NCBI is that it "effectively lowers blood glucose levels by decreasing glucose production in the liver, diminishing intestinal absorption, and enhancing insulin sensitivity." Back in my pharmacy days I can't say that I recall noticing any patients who suffered from hypoglycemia. What this means to a normoglycemic patient I can not say other than ones blood sugar may not spike as much after a meal. Of course everyone needs to be monitored.
Replies to "At "normal doses" metformin typically doesn't cause hypoglycemia. Its mechanism of action per NCBI is that..."
Agree - at normal doses. But would your dr write an RX for metformin if you are not diabetic or pre-diabetic?
I have read many positive things about metformin - other than its efficacy in diabetes. But what is a “normal” dose mean for a person who requires no lowering of blood glucose?
Since you were a pharmacist, did you have many patients getting metformin who weren’t diabetic or pre-diabetic? Thanks!
Phil
@callibaetis I am pre - diabetic and on Active Surveillance . What are your thoughts on me approaching my Urologist re : Going on Metformin as I understand it can reduce the spread of my cancer .
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Some additional info: Repurposing Metformin as Therapy for Prostate Cancer within the STAMPEDE Trial Platform....
A few tidbits:
"In nondiabetic patients, metformin reduces the incidence of diabetes and the adverse metabolic effects of ADT, including hyperinsulinaemia and dyslipidaemia".
"Metformin has antineoplastic properties, possibly explained by preclinical data showing that cancer progression is integrally linked to metabolic modulators".
"Metformin reduces hyperinsulinaemia, a condition that promotes cancer metastasis, growth, and treatment resistance".
https://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838(16)30420-1/pdf
Another tidbit, not from the above paper. Metformin is used to treat women suffering from PCOS, a condition associated with elevated androgen levels.