Metformin and anaemia

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Hi there - my MiL has T2 diabetes and is having problems with anaemia and the docs can't work out what is causing it. So they are taking her off her metformin to see if they are having an effect on her iron levels - has anyone else experienced this?
Don't think I have heard about this before so thought I would put it out there!
Cheers Admin xx
 
That'd be the last bleeding straw! I've always been anaemic and haven't noticed any major change since diagnosis. It's no worse and no better.
 
now that is interesting re iron & metaformin ...as i have always been a bit anaemic ....throughout pregnancies i had to have blood available during delivery ... im a bit of a rarish one ...i have also been tested since 16 for the D but always unconculsive ...finally diagnosed at 45 yrs type 2...im balanced with my bs but i actually feel so tired all the time .. this thread has made me think about my iron levels aswell....during pregnancy i had to take chilated iron in order to digest iron ...umm going to get gp to check this aswell! thanks
 
am64 said:
now that is interesting re iron & metaformin ...as i have always been a bit anaemic ....throughout pregnancies i had to have blood available during delivery ... im a bit of a rarish one ...i have also been tested since 16 for the D but always unconculsive ...finally diagnosed at 45 yrs type 2...im balanced with my bs but i actually feel so tired all the time .. this thread has made me think about my iron levels aswell....during pregnancy i had to take chilated iron in order to digest iron ...umm going to get gp to check this aswell! thanks
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You know that's a good point. I've been assuming it was the Big D and the 'happy' pills making me feel tired. I think I'll get checked out too.
 
I guess her GP has explored the issue of heavy periods? A common problem as women get older, often leading to anaemia. I seem to remember hearing about metformin and iron deficiency tho - doesn't it say something in the infoormation sheet that comes with the pack - I'll go and have a look.
 
runner said:
I guess her GP has explored the issue of heavy periods? A common problem as women get older, often leading to anaemia. I seem to remember hearing about metformin and iron deficiency tho - doesn't it say something in the infoormation sheet that comes with the pack - I'll go and have a look.
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She finished those years ago!!
 
not having heavy prob thank G** anymore since having a medina coil... but i did haves such a hard time as teenager young adult...pontan forte as pain killer...but if i think about it i have been haveing that really drawn out eyes if you know what i mean.??
 
the leaflet with my metformin states: 'Prolonged treatment with metformin hydrochloride can delete reserves of vitamin B12, and this may cause anaemia. Regular blood tests for kidney function and vitamin B12 should therefor be carried out.' Oh no, it says you shouldn't take metformin if you drink alcohol too😱
 
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I Wiki'd (couldn't find the blurb that was in the box, must have tossed it) and it doesn't mention iron deficiency, just vitamin B12.
 
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runner said:
Am64, have a look at this: http://diabetes.emedtv.com/metformin/metformin-and-alcohol.html

think I'll discuss with diabetic nurse at next appointment and maybe ask for a liver function test :(

Admin, could this be an issue too - alcohol can deplete iron and B vits!
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hahhhaaa you saw my thread drinking whiskey 2 nite....on shite read link and yes i fall into this category...well tonight!!!.... however all my bodily functions have been tested and my dsn and gp say all very good...no prob..dispite years of abuse..hahha !! but my prob is for how much longer can i acheive these good levels...but is a learning curve...since stopping eating crap my levels are ok...problem when i work i eat crap..ie processed food...no work= no money = good health...ummmmm
 
am64 said:
hahhhaaa you saw my thread drinking whiskey 2 nite....on shite read link and yes i fall into this category...well tonight!!!.... however all my bodily functions have been tested and my dsn and gp say all very good...no prob..dispite years of abuse..hahha !! but my prob is for how much longer can i acheive these good levels...but is a learning curve...since stopping eating crap my levels are ok...problem when i work i eat crap..ie processed food...no work= no money = good health...ummmmm
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Simple answer to that one 😉
 
hi admin

i have anemia and im still taking me metformin i was diagnosed back in june with Anemia
 
Hi
I was taken off Metformin, cos of Anaemia too! But I have CKD stage 4

Chronic Kidney Diease... which also includes Renal Anaemia, stage 4 being

High, Plus I have Vit B12 inj, and have Neo Recormon jabs Once a week, that j

ust been put on Higher dose , I do it myself and the drug comes straight from

Manufacturers. Right pain in the bum! hahahaa

Mo xx
 
Steff, have you not been prescribed the B vits, including iron?

Ooo Moamber, all that on top of everything else!

Sorry Admin, we seem to have highjacked your post?
 
can't say I've noticed being anemic, but it is worth asking the doc as a full blood count is always orderd when I go for the blood tests. It is easier to get teeth from a chicken or blood from a stone than get information from my doctor.
 
Hi Admin

I have been on the anemia merry-go round for the last 3 years with my Doctor. I posted a message back in February this year.

Things are pretty much the same, I have the B12 injection which lasts me about 6 weeks. The next 6 weeks are hell until I have the next injection. When I mention it to the DSN her reply is usually "Mmmmm that's unusual"

http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=771

Andy
 
AndyS said:
Hi Admin

I have been on the anemia merry-go round for the last 3 years with my Doctor. I posted a message back in February this year.

Things are pretty much the same, I have the B12 injection which lasts me about 6 weeks. The next 6 weeks are hell until I have the next injection. When I mention it to the DSN her reply is usually "Mmmmm that's unusual"

http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=771

Andy
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Sorry if you've already been down this route, but have you asked to be referred to a specialist in this case?
 
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Hi Runner

Getting to see our local GP is impossible. The DSN left the surgery 2 weeks ago too so now have no specialist at the surgery. The last time I saw my GP she tested everything else except B12 levels. I saw about 4 GP's and 2 dentists before my problem was picked up. I was speaking to the healthcare technician who was taking my blood and told her about the problems I was having, it was her that suggested including checking my B12 levels. When the results came back they were very low (76 I think) - they should be between 200-500.

I have been buying b12 tablets from the healthfood shop that appear to be helping. Having said that the research I did suggests that it's almost impossible to take b12 orally. Something to do with the digestive system absorbing it before it reaches where it should (lack of intrinsic factor stops my own body producing b12) (I think) it gets very complicating I know that !

cheers

Andy
 
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