1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

Metformin. Good or bad?

Posted by sharonuk @sharonuk, Jan 29 8:22am

I have been diabetic for 26 yrs. A1c fluctuates.
I know have good BG control, eating a high fat/protein and low carb diet.
I have just read a couple of articles stating Metformin is dangerous to health? Then other articles stating it’s the best 1st line drug for diabetes??
What do you think?

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Scott R L | @scottrl | Jan 29 12:44pm

I've been taking it for 20+ years. In moderate doses, I think it's great.

What do the articles critical of it suggest instead? Some new, expensive drug? Hmmm...

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grrranny | @grrranny | Jan 30 8:33am

Hi; I've been dealing with type 2 for 27 years, read extensively, and have been on several forums.
Although I'm not particularly a fan of metformin (never did much for me/not nearly as effective as exercise), I've never heard or read anything bad about it -- only good.
Can you please tell us more about those negative articles, or provide a link?

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1 reply
jeshaw6801 | @jeshaw6801 | Jan 30 10:27am

Metformin gave me diarrhea. I went onto tragenta which is much more expensive. It keeps my a1c below 7 without trying.

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olson25 | @olson25 | Jan 30 10:46am

I really liked Metformin, it seemed to keep my blood glucose levels very steady. I had to stop taking it because of chronic kidney disease.

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1 reply
roseyd | @roseyd | Jan 30 5:37pm
In reply to @grrranny "Hi; I've been dealing with type 2 for 27 years, read extensively, and have been on..." + (show)
@grrranny

Hi; I've been dealing with type 2 for 27 years, read extensively, and have been on several forums.
Although I'm not particularly a fan of metformin (never did much for me/not nearly as effective as exercise), I've never heard or read anything bad about it -- only good.
Can you please tell us more about those negative articles, or provide a link?

Jump to this post

Yes-I would like to hear more about the article you read as well.

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ceemamba | @ceemamba | Jan 30 5:46pm

Metformin at the lowest dose of 500mg once a day gave me chronic diarrhea and severe nausea so my Dr took me off, I feel much better now and have regained my life back !!!

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Mentor
Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor | @cehunt57 | Jan 30 7:11pm

All medications have side effects. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal issues. If you have more than one condition requiring medication, the side effects can become complicated. Sometimes there are drug interactions and contraindications to be concerned about. Oftentimes it comes down to trial and error (with medical provider input of course). There is no such thing as “one size fits all”.

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queenie2030 | @queenie2030 | Feb 1 6:44pm

I took metformin for a couple of years and I did have diarrhea but never realized it was from the drug. Then the Dr. doubled my dose and after a week I went to ER with what felt like a heart attack. Much pain around my heart. Turned out to be lactic acidosis caused by the metformin. All pain vanished when I stopped taking it. Now taking glimepiride with no side effects except I go too low if I skip an afternoon snack. Last A1 C was 6.3 with me on prednisone.

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karina1954 | @karina1954 | Feb 6 1:00pm
In reply to @olson25 "I really liked Metformin, it seemed to keep my blood glucose levels very steady. I had..." + (show)
@olson25

I really liked Metformin, it seemed to keep my blood glucose levels very steady. I had to stop taking it because of chronic kidney disease.

Jump to this post

Olson 25,
I too have been taking Metformin for 20 + yrs. Just been diagnose with CKD a week ago. At a loss on no sodium/low sodium diet, other tips for me would be more then grateful to receive. Nervous!!
Thank you, appreciate all your help.

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