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Experiment going off Metformin for one week
My last two BG readings were 6.5 and 6.6, so my doctor put me on Metformin. 500mg x 2 daily (1000mg /day). That was two months ago. I've since upped my exercise regimen, been more careful about my diet, and lost 11 pounds (currently 5'11" at 188 lbs).
I've since read of articles that show it is hard to build muscle while on metformin. If more muscle makes it easier for the body to manage BG levels, it seems that metformin is a double edged sword.
As an experiment I've intentionally gone off Metformin for one week in order to try to improve muscle mass a bit. I will go back on this weekend because I'll be on vacation where it is difficult to eat healthy. I'll stay on MF even after vacation until my doctor tells me otherwise at my next check-up.
While off metformin my BG was 108 and 106 respectively. This was my normal range pre-metformin when I was staying away from starches (which I usually wasn't). I was not eating smartly back then and had a bit more visceral fat so my average BG was normally higher. I really have no way of quantifying muscle loss or gain in such a short period of time, but hoping for at least a little lift.
So here's my question: Has anyone on Metformin noticed any negative impact on building muscle mass? Cursory reading states that Berberine may be better, and I may ask my doctor about that, but for now my only deviation from doctor's orders is this one week layoff.
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An interesting experiment, and I hope it goes well!
A cautionary word, though. Metformin takes time to build up in the body, and takes a while to work its way out. One week may not be long enough to metabolize it out of your system to get an accurate interpretation. Maybe a two-week test?
Just an opinion from a very non-medical professional, who's been taking metformin for over 20 years.
A) You should not change your medication without discussing it with your doctor.
B) Many people don't do well with Metformin (I use it successfully, my husband doesn't tolerate it well). Have you discussed other possibilities - Jardiance, Mounjaro, Glipizide, etc.
Tell your doctor what your goals are, what your concerns are and then take it from there. You and your doctor should be a team when it comes to your health and it looks like you want to actively participate in the decisions. Good for you!
I have done well with Tradjenta. No side effects. I did better with carb counting, and adding a morning and afternoon snack with protein. Walking a mile everyday.
I started Metformin last year for my prediabetes. 500 mg once a day after breakfast. I noticed that I was developing gastrointestinal issues having bouts of loose BM every time which made me very uncomfortable. I thought it was my Colace that was making my life miserable so I stopped Colace and still was experiencing GI issues and sometimes feeling dizzy. Now that I have stopped taking MF I am not having these issues. I discontinued MF on May 5. My blood sugar in the morning used to run between 96-105 pre Metformin. Using MF my BG range was 90-108. My BG after stopping MF has been 97-100. So it seems I was getting almost the same results. I changed PCP after I started my side effects with MF because my prior PCP kept telling me that it was necessary to keep taking it to avoid going into the Diabetes stage. I was telling her all the time that I was not feeling well and that I thought it was MF because I was very active with no GI issues before taking it. Anyway my new PCP told me to stop it & check my BG. Also she told me that she never prescribes Metformin to pre-diabetics because thete is no 100% accuracy that it will stop any person of having diabetes znd that many pre diabetic patients don’t need to take it if their A1C is normal as well as Blood sugar levels are less than 120 and that MF could cause unnecessary side effects. I am at that range. So as of today I am still getting normal BS range, follow the Mediterranean diet, exercise 5 days a week, drink only water, no sodas, no sweets, don’t smoke (never had) and don’t drink at all. This has been my experience. Always consult your physician before changing anything in your health regime. Stay well.