Metformin

Has anyone been on metformin? It is a diabetic drug and I've heard it is cheap. Also heard the following about metformin and cancer:Metformin’s many physiologic actions include suppressing liver’s own sugar production (”hepatic gluconeogenesis”), increasing insulin sensitivity, enhancing body sugar utilization and decreasing absorption of sugar from the intestines. Overall, we can summarily say that Metformin improves overall sugar metabolism (I have long supported reducing carbohydrate consumption as an adjunct in controlling cancer, perhaps to my colleagues’ consternation if not ridicule. Sugar and cancer is a very important theme, though usually under appreciated by conventional oncologists despite the strength of corollary data. But alas, the topic would be a whole separate blog).

Comments

  • debrajo
    debrajo Member Posts: 1,095 Member
    I was on Metformin way
    I was on Metformin way before I got cancer(UPSC), for "pre-diabetes". My Dr. didn't like Metformin as a diabetes drug and put me on Glipizide(I think it is generic Gloupage(sp)). I have a blood test, A1C, every three months and it is within the normal range for sugar control. It is cheap, about 4.00,seems the Metformin cost about 32.00. If you decide to try it ask what the difference is between the two drugs. It might help. Neither KEPT me from getting cancer, but it MIGHT have helped keep it in the early stage(1a). Best, debrajo
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    Metformin
    Research shows there is a large benefit in ovarian cancer patients, who are diabetic,when they take Metformin. It can also be used to correct insulin resistance, but should not be used for an extended period of time in these patients. If an ovarian cancer patient does not have imbalances related to sugar metabolism, there would be little benefit in taking Metformin. There are potential side effects, primarily GI issues. I tried taking it for insulin resistance, but, as it turns out, the side effects are extreme for me. I took it for two days, and it took me 6 weeks to get my gut back on track.
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    Metformin
    Research shows there is a large benefit in ovarian cancer patients, who are diabetic,when they take Metformin. It can also be used to correct insulin resistance, but should not be used for an extended period of time in these patients. If an ovarian cancer patient does not have imbalances related to sugar metabolism, there would be little benefit in taking Metformin. There are potential side effects, primarily GI issues. I tried taking it for insulin resistance, but, as it turns out, the side effects are extreme for me. I took it for two days, and it took me 6 weeks to get my gut back on track.