Can’t tolerate Metformin!

Hi everyone, Happy New Year!

I’m Type 1 for almost 40 years. My Dr put me on Metformin hoping I might have greater insulin sensitivity. I couldn’t deal with one horrible side effect. It did such a number on my intestines that I got to a point where I was afraid to go anywhere. Plus I never saw any benefit in the form of increased insulin sensitivity. I took myself off it after several months. What a relief.

I’m wondering if there’s something else I can ask for for help. Is there anyone else who couldn’t tolerate Metformin but was able to do another diabetes drug with success? I need help! My insulin requirement is up to 100 units a day. Even with that I struggle.

I had no appetite for 2 weeks but then returned to normal except it seemed I couldn’t eat as much as before. However I gained no sensetivity benefits and so I stopped taking it

@Cinderfella - You couldn’t be my #3 son by any chance? He called himself that because he though he was too good to do the same chores as his other brothers :rofl:

Anyway back to your question, the only drug class that other than Metfomin claims to increase insulin sensitivity aare thiazolidinediones. The only one approved in the US is Actos. It has some serious side effects which need to be considered.

It sounds like you not only have type 1 DM but type 2 DM as well. This used to be called double diabetes, but no type 1 DM with insulin resistance.

The one safe thing that has no bad side effects to increase cellular insulin sensitivity is regular exercise of at least 30 continuous minutes per day. Some experts think that can be broken up throughout the day, but that doesn’t work for me.

Aerobic/cardio exercises like brisk walking, swimming, running (not sprinting) hiking, bicycling or whatever you will do is perefect for increasing insulin sensitivity especially in the long skeletal muscles of the legs and arms. This also improves cardiovascular function.

Resistance exercise such as weight lifting, sprinting and other exercises that use short explosive contractions of muscles will increase BG during the exercise, but later there is the benefit of increased insulin sensitivity., plus increased muscle mass increases insulin sensitivity,

I’m a big proponent of regular exercise for everyone, those with diabetes regardless of type or not. We with diabetes are already at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Good luck and I hope that you can decrease your TDD of insulin.

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@Cinderfella – I wholeheartedly agree with @Luis3’s suggestions regarding exercise. In addition, I believe that good consistent sleep habits can eliminate the unhealthy cortisol release that usually follows insufficient and compromised quality sleep.

I use sleep trackers (Apple Watch + Oura ring) to confirm sleep quality but believe you can improve sleep without them, yet I find it easier to use the tech.

I also believe diet plays an essential role. I know this can get controversial but long-term I have found reducing and managing carbs reduces insulin doses which in turn reduces insulin resistance. This leads to less inflammation, a source of insulin resistance. I definitely avoid highly processed “foods” and liquid carbs.

I tried Metformin many years ago and the consistent diarrhea it produced was unacceptable to me. I’ve since learned that good digestion is crucial to a healthy immune system and mental health. An unhealthy gut is nothing to mess with!

I’ve also lived with T1D for about 40 years. I would try to manage your insulin sensitivity by natural means, ie diet, exercise, and sleep. Every drug has its list of “side” effects and they usually suffer from developing tolerance to them.

Using these methods starting 13 years ago, especially therapeutic carb limits, allowed me to reduce my total daily dose of insulin from 80 units to < 30 units. My weight dropped from 183 pounds to my current weight of 147 pounds. I’m 5 feet 7 inches tall with a medium build. I learned that my body would not burn the excess stored fat until insulin was low.

Doctors will often start people on insulin using the rule of thumb that people need daily about 0.5 units of insulin for each kilogram of ideal body weight. I currently use 0.45 units of insulin per kg of body weight. This is simply another way of expressing insulin sensitivity.

It’s not easy to become sensitive to insulin again but it is well worth the effort! Good luck.

I’m sorry if you find my dropping more advice than you asked for, @Cinderfella, irritates you! I find your situation resonates with my experience.

Telling someone to change their eating style is intrusive and can appear arrogant. This is not my intention!

I’ve learned with my relationship with several siblings that eating styles can often have a complicating addictive streak. I, too, suffered with this aspect but was able to overcome its effects with reasonable effort.

What I learned is that this addictive feature can be so strong that normal efforts to overcome are not sufficient. What can work is a system where everyday help, counseling and coaching can get you over the hump and help you otherwise succeed.

What do I mean by all this? Virta Health is an excellent example. This is the missing ingredient for many who have tried natural lifestyle methods and failed. I didn’t need this extra piece but addiction is a complicated thing and I think programs like Virta can provide all the help you may need.

@Cinderfella I have to admit that I left out lowering your dietary carrbs as mentioned by @Terry4 That’’s one of the 2 keys to managing T2DM which is driven by insulin resistance, a carb restricted diet plus regular exercise. No drugs or even insulin injections work well without those 2 keys.

Cinderfella

Take a look at the book Mastering Diabetes or look it up on YouTube. Two type 1’s have discovered that cutting way down on fat can make your insulin needs drop by a lot.
It is a vegan diet with lots of fruit, vegetables, legumes and graines. It is a real game changer. I started eating this way 8 Or 9 years ago and appreciate only taking a few units of insulin now.
Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Marilyn
Dx 1959

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