I am type 1 , on a pump, and have been using metformin to increase insulin sensitivity and help lower post meal peaks. After a week or so of initial GI upset, no side effects. I’ve been on it for years now.
The evidence that it can cause Parkinson’s or dementia is not strong. In fact there are studies it may actually prevent dementia.
It is also undergoing trial as an anti-aging drug.
I added Metformin to my insulin regime 4 or 5 years ago. It has been a great help in reducing my insulin requirements. Now, I am just using Tresiba long acting insulin once per day and metformin at mealtimes. That system probably isn’t for everyone, (I don’t think that is how Tresiba is intended to be used), but, it is working for me-along with a Bernstein style low carb diet.
I had almost no GI upsets when I started it. The only thing I noticed and still so is muscle fatigue at the gym. I used to be able to work out with very high intensity but lately my muscles fail after a tiny bit of a burn. I think it’s because my muscles start calling for glycogen and the liver isn’t giving any.
One other side effect is hair loss - but, I am not 100%sure it’s due to the Met or my recently increases Synthroid dose. I read quite a bit and hair loss apparently was part of the side effects for Metformin on the package insert bit they took it out. Why? I am not sure.
One thing you mentioned was kidney issues - depending on what they are, Metformin may have some increased risks. I am sure it says on the insert.
Other than that, it absolutely does suppress appetite!
i didnt know about hair loss. my hair is pretty thin anyways. in the info it didnt say anything about hair loss. it did talk about GI upset which i havent had. im on lisinopril for my kidneys. when i was diagnosed it was on the beginning stages of shutting down. so i was put on that to not have that happen.
Oh my goodness. I know it’s April 2019, but I was doing some research on facial hair in women, because you know insulin does funky stuff to our hormones. Apparently insulin resistance causes PCOS, or maybe the other way around, which causes facial hair growth. Yuck. But anyway, I looked at several links between diabetes and facial hair, then diabetes and PCOS, and then it took me to an article on T1Ds using Metformin. So of course I come here to find out about it and there’s all this information.
Now I need to find out if it actually causes Parkinson’s or not…because my grandfather had that. But I’m ready to ask about it for sure!
thanks