Metformin /Type 1

I take it because I have PCOS. At this dose it has only a minor effect on my symptoms, however, I cannot take higher doses as they give me horrible side effects and make me feel physically sick all the time even the slow acting.

For weight loss (and help with my myriad of other problems including Diabetes) I went vegan and it actually works. Personally have no problem with it as I eat quite a variety of food and make sure I get plenty of carbs.

My consultant's approach was to help aid a reduction in ratios.
Has not had the desired effect for me at this dosage. I'm not really willing to up it though, as I suspect that it will have other undesirable impacts upon digestion!
Regards
Garry

Wow ! Im beginning to think that the reason it is used for weight loss is because nothing stays inside for long enough !!! The weight loss side would be of benefit, but Insulin resistance has been suggested as I have been IDD for coming up for 40 years and have highs where I shouldnt have. I appear to have the dawn phenomenon around lunch ( always was a late starter ! )

Don't get me wrong, Metformin hasn't had any laxative effect on me. But they do have another pretty common side effect.....they are nicknamed 'Metfartin' for good reason.
Regards
Garry

The evidence that metformin makes a difference in Type 1 diabetes is not strong but some professionals use it to reduce insulin dose, weight gain etc There is some evidence of benefit for PCOS. It appears to be very safe but with some pretty unpleasant side effects of diarrhoea, abdo pain and anorexia for some people! The slow release preparation is better tolerated generally.
Simon

I have been on slow release metformin for a number of years and I am so pleased that I now know I am not the only one. I think that people often forget that type 1's can take metformin and so only talk about it in terms of type 2. Metformin sr has reduced my BI but has no effect on my ratios. If you have problems with metformin, try the sr version, I take 1000 mg and no problems.

Hi,

I was advised to start the metformin to increase sensitivity and as a side bonus may also lose weight. Been ID diabetic for 40 years so insulin slowing down, apparantly. Been on a week now and have noticed all BG results much better and quite steady, but went quite low (2.9)
at 5pm today. Have had a couple of lower that normal results so going to reduce background Levemir in morning by couple units and monitor. Going to do carb free lunch tomorrow and check teatime results

Simon Heller said:
The evidence that metformin makes a difference in Type 1 diabetes is not strong but some professionals use it to reduce insulin dose, weight gain etc There is some evidence of benefit for PCOS. It appears to be very safe but with some pretty unpleasant side effects of diarrhoea, abdo pain and anorexia for some people! The slow release preparation is better tolerated generally.
Simon

I am not happy with the idea of using Metformin. I do not need to lose weight and I am on statin + apsirin so cannot see any tangible benefit to me. I am no doctor but I am also not in the habit of taking stuff for the sake of it. I am guessing my GP thought it would help my overall control (maybe he thought I was overly insulin resistant) when actually my control was poor because I was not managing my diabetes.

if you have little/no resistance to your insulin then surely you can just say that to your doctor/consultant......

If its obvious you are not on large doses of insulin that would be proof enough....

unless there is some other digestive reason...