PCOS Messages for September, 2003: Re: Would low-calorie diet + Metformin cause Hypoglycemia

Re: Would low-calorie diet + Metformin cause Hypoglycemia

From: sine (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 29 Sep 2003 18:18:00 -0500 (CDT)

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At Wed, 23 Apr 2003, Sonnet wrote: >
>Metformin itself shouldn't cause hypoglycemia. It's not a hypoglycemic,
>meaning it is not a drug that causes your blood sugar to get lower. It
>is an insulin sensitizer, meaning it helps your body use insulin better.
>Many people take Metformin to actually treat hypoglycemia.

Apologies for replying to such an old thread. I wanted to correct some misinformation, though.

Metformin *can* cause hypogylcemia (it's rare) in people who are undernourished, in the elderly, and in children. It can also cause hypogylcemia in combination with alcohol or in overdose. See

http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/glu1188.shtml

"Glucophage, unlike other oral antidiabetics, does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). However, hypoglycemia remains a possibility, especially in older, weak, and undernourished people and those with kidney, liver, adrenal, or pituitary gland problems. The risk of hypoglycemia increases when Glucophage is combined with other diabetes medications. The risk is also boosted by missed meals, alcohol, and excessive exercise. To avoid hypoglycemia, you should closely follow the dietary and exercise plan suggested by your physician. If you feel hypoglycemia coming on, get some fast-acting sugar, such as a 4 to 6 ounce glass of fruit juice."

Although increasing the sensitivity, especially of muscle tissue, to insulin is one way that metformin works, its major action appears to be blocking the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver. Some studies have indicated that a big part of the problem for type 2 diabetics is the glucose their liver releases, and metformin addresses that.

The only real way to know if you're having an episode of hypoglycemia is to test your blood glucose; however, if you start feeling shaky, sweaty, and clammy it won't hurt you to drink some fruit juice and see if it helps.

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