What is Diabetes Type 2
Diabetes mellitus type 2 (formerly called diabetes mellitus type II, non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), obesity related diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes) is a metabolic disor...
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Ban Metformin
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Someone posed a question on another thread regarding the use of Metformin. I wanted to take the opportunity to share my experiences.
My mother, brother and maternal aunt are all diabetics. My mom and brother both took Metformin for years to try and lower their glucose levels. Both are now in renal failure. Among other serious issues related to diabetes. When I was diagnosed two years ago with "pre-diabetes" of course I panicked. Right away the endocrinologist I saw gave me a prescription for Metformin (sometimes called Glucophage). I refused to take it. The black box warning on the med insert should be enough to encourage ANYONE to stay clear of this drug. It is liked to kidney disease, heart disease (in diabetics congestive heart failure), liver disease, stroke, blood disorders, intestinal disease (in diabetics gastroparesis), B and D vitamin deficiencies, anemia...just to name the most frequently diagnosed. IF you insist on taking this medication, you MUST drink copious amounts of water and have your kidneys monitored MONTHLY. Do not let the doctor tell you that you aren't a candidate for it. They merely check your creatinine levels to watch for problems. This is not good enough. See a nephrologist regularly if you must go on Metformin. I myself would NEVER take it. You can get the same results that Metformin promises by simply altering your lifestyle. Eat right and exercise. Honestly. Posted on 07/03/09, 09:07 am |
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Although I believe diet and excercise is a must for diabetes control, I also think that sometimes that isnt enough and medication must be added. I was on metformin for ten years. I am in third stage of kidney failure and it can never get better. I am anemic and have to get blood transfusions or iron infusions about every three months. I have congestive heart failure and lung problems. I dont know if all of these were related to the metformin, but the doctors took me off of it and put me on insulin as my kidneys were being affected. Once I stopped it, the damage didnt get any worse. I wish I had known when I started it, what damage it can do. Sometimes it is years before you see the effect and think you are fine. I also recommend being checked by a nephroligist Isp?) at regular times. It may help save your kidneys. 
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That's a very scary message. I am taking Metformin and it is helping me a lot but I have diarrhea a lot because of it. I don't have kidney problems. I have hypertension but I had that long before type 2 ever started. I take vitamin supplements for B12 and Iron. I have a physical exam scheduled for next Monday and I'm going to talk to my doctor about all of this.
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I am on Metformin for two years now. I have never had any problems with it. But I am aware that most of the meds will do their damage. years from now. I do have to see the doctor this month. I too will discuss it with her.
May I ask what are you taking. I do not want insulin. My blood sugar has been within range. and since I read your post. I was taking 1,000 mg I have decided to go with 500 mg and see what happens. Then I will see what my doctor have to say. I don't have the money for specialist so probably getting off on it may be my answer.
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This worries me greatly as I have been on it for years and the doctor also has me on a pill that is for protecting my kidneys It is possible they are aware and not telling me??
She also LEFT me on Metformin even though she has me on Insulin Which is only 20 units and doing NOTHING to help my sugar I am watching what i eat heck half the time I do not eat at all because my numbers are high
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There isn't a diabetic medication that doesn't harm you. Why did they take Avandia off the market - because it caused heart attacks. I could go on and on.
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I just went to my doc.. and told him that I never took the metformin he gave me years ago.. you would think he would have known that since i have never asked for refill.. sigh. he was very upset with me.. i already have a terrible pill fear... so ... I have heard only bad things with diabetic pills.. I take my insulin.. and just pray... i also eat a balanced or no goodies diet... i do have ice cream with no sugar added once in a great while.. i put it in a small 1/2 cup thing.. and that is all I have.. kinda a teaser...
I think diabetes is the worst illness to get... and i know my life will be cut short because ot this disease... its hard to go thru life fighting this horrible illness. and not being able to enjoy some sweets... think its just so cruel... food is somewhat pleasure in life... to a point.. having had a candy bar in 24 yrs... cant almost taste them sometimes..... sigh.. so sad.. :(
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A possible point of view: From my reading it seems that metformin's main danger is lactic acidosis. The reason for the kidney warnings is that people who already have kidney problems would be more in danger if they suffered from lactic acidosis (since their kidneys couldn't get rid of the lactic acid). I haven't seen anything to the effect that the metformin causes kidney disease, but we all know the diabetes itself does. I did read a recent study that showed people taking metformin had fewer deaths than those who only took sulfonylureas, altho the study didn't address specifically why.
I'm not an expert, and don't even take it (it made me bowel incontinent). But for me, I'd worry more about the effects of the disease than of the metformin. I may be wrong, of course, and everyone has to do what seems safest to them. Just a thought.....
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You are right Arline. I have had diabetes for over ten years and I was always on metformin. I am in the third stage of kidney failure NOT because of metformin, but because of being diabetic. They did take me off of metformin because I needed injections and the metformin, although a mild drug was irritating my kidneys. BUT it did not cause my kidney failure.
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