Metformin with type 3c

[Prbedd1]

Is metformin basically used as insulin or do it have other actions, finding my levels are more controllable without it. Also controlling my carbo/sugar & amount intake, lowered my insulin dosage by 30 units day and 20 night and no metformin, any advice would be appreciated, diabetes nurses said they can't help and haven't the knowledge on 3c,I'll have to wait till I see professor Hardy end of this month, Hope you all good

 

[adrian1der]

My understanding is the Metformin has two effects - it lowers the amount of glucose your liver produces and it also lowers insulin resistance in your cells. So completely different to insulin

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Yes that’s my understanding too. Metformin doesn’t work directly on BG levels from food, but acts in the background exactly as @adrian1der describes, but reducing glucose output from the liver and reducing insulin resistance.

It also seems to ‘build up’ in the system over time, so any dose taken is part of a general level of Met, rather than being specifically acting at any one time.

 

[Prbedd1]

Hi
Thanks for the info so I should be takin metformin aswell

 

[trophywench]

@everydayupsanddowns and I both know someone with T1 who finds Metformin helps (Patti, Mike) but she was overweight when she started on it. If you don't have any degree of insulin resistance then I wouldn't think it could help - but I'm no expert. We'll all be interested to know what Prof Hardy says!!

 

[Prbedd1]

Hi
Thanks me too, will update when I see him, one good note, letter today confirming my acute pancreatitis is near too normal and bloods fine. Left me hanging? not gone into detail enough we're it leaves me, just carry on as normal.

 

[mikeyB]

The thing with Type3c is that the diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin produced by the damaged pancreas. The treatment for that is insulin, according to NICE guidelines. As there is no insulin resistance, Metformin is about as much use as M&Ms. And you can't use tablets to stimulate Beta cells to produce insulin if they aren't there.

There is no excuse for diabetes nurses not knowing about 3c, it is now commoner than T1. Mind you, their knowledge of T1 is a bit ropey too.

 

[trophywench]

Where do these 'diabetes nurses' you mention actually work @Prbedd1 - full time at the hospital diabetes clinic or at your GP's surgery?

 

[Prbedd1]

Hospital, I think with it been 2mths in and see prof Hardy end of this month, things could change and I don't think they wanted to put there neck on the line. There fine with insulin control, but not the pancreatitis, enquiries.

 

[trophywench]

Well presumably that's already added to your list of Qs to ask now! 🙂

 

[jang]

I would be interested to know how you got to see Prof Hardy. I have asked for referral as my GP surgery are not able to help with my type 3c. The nurse usually has to speak to the local Hospital and I dont get to ask specific questions. I have not yet been referred. I didnt push it as was not sure if I was allowed to.

 

[Hepato-pancreato]

Think your at same diabetes clinic as i went to. Have you been on the i.c.e course? Nurses knew about type3c way back when i went . Just the other clients who were mesmerised at my type 3c diabetes.