Gastroparesis & Metformin

Posted by @annabelle1245 @annabelle6dawgs, Jan 2, 2023

It is my understanding that there MAY be a correlation between long-term metformin use and Gastroparesis symptoms like bloating, nausea and delayed gastric emptying. I have been on Metformin for about 20 years and was first diagnosed with gastroparesis 10 years ago. My health care professional just recently suggested a 30-day pause on metformin for me. Has anyone tried this and did it help with gastroparesis symptoms? Did you take any precautions such as a continuous glucose monitoring device? I am not a health care professional and am not suggesting my experience applies to you just asking for you to share your experience.

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oglm | @oglm | Jul 23 8:23pm

I was diagniosed with gastrparesis but realized it was caused by metformin I am Diabetic type 2 for 12 years. The Dr's kept trying different medications for the diabetes and metformin dosage was up to 2000 ER daily . I went to a specialist and she determined I was allergic to metformin and took me off it but my PC put me back on 50 mg daily . The bloating , nausea got me to a GI Dr . Through testing and symptons they decided the gastroparesis . For 1 and 1/2 years I was following the diabetic diet for it . Still had the symptoms , especially the bloating and nausea . So I asked my new PC if it could be the Metformin . Of course they can be the side effects of the drug. So she agreed to take me off a month ago. It solved both the bloating and nausea ! I have incorporated fresh fruits and veggies, wheat bread, etc back in my diet and feel better than I have for quite awhile . I think you have to be your own advocate and not be afraid to question Drs advice sometimes.

1realjeannie | @1realjeannie | Aug 25 3:28pm

I am pre-diabetic and wanted to try a natural supplement to help me stay out of full blown diabetes. After a good deal of research I found Berberine - they actually use this in making Metformin - and I do believe this may have contributed to the development of my GP. I also have chronic pancreatitis, EPI, malnutrition, IBS and diverticulosis (my gut is a mess!) so any of those could have also contributed. I hope that helps and hope you can get some relief.