Metformin in Type 1 Diabetes

[tiredsincebirth]

Hello,
I was wondering if there was any type 1’s out there using Metformin along side insulin and if it made much difference in their insulin requirements and lifestyle?
Thank you

 

[rebrascora]

Hi.
Can I ask why you have been prescribed Metformin? Are you showing signs of insulin resistance and or carrying too much weight? If so, then perhaps reducing your carb intake would help as much, if not more than taking Metformin.
Have you ever tried following a low carb way of eating? It can make a much bigger difference to your insulin requirements and lifestyle. Obviously you need to monitor your BG closely if you are reducing your carbs and reduce your insulin to match.
I was initially prescribed Metformin and then Gliclazide before going on to insulin but the Metformin was continued along side the insulin for a while although it didn't have any appreciable effect, but then that was because I wasn't showing signs of insulin resistance. I know I am much happier following a low carb higher fat way of eating and not taking it.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I have heard of a few people over the years who have used Metformin as an adjunctive therapy to help reduce insulin resistance (and their insulin doses) in T1 diabetes.

There’s a brief mention at the bottom of this page

Metformin - Uses, How it Works and Side Effects

Metformin is a diabetes medication that helps the insulin you produce work better. You usually take it as a tablet.

www.diabetes.org.uk

and a small retrospective study here

The effects of metformin in type 1 diabetes mellitus - PMC

This retrospective study investigated the effect of adding metformin to pharmacologic insulin dosing in type 1 diabetics on insulin therapy 1 year after treatment compared with patients on insulin therapy alone. Twenty-nine adults with type 1 ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[MrDaibetes]

I haven't used metformin with insulin, but I have seen that those who are T1D use metformin when they have insulin resistance.

 

[DaveB]

I have continued to use Metformin when starting insulin. I did ask my DN to halve the dose but she seems happy to continue the lower dose due to the other 'benefits'. After halving my dose I needed to increase my insulin by roughly a shot.