I recently read some articles online about Metformin having an adverse impact on mitochondria and ATP as well as impacting on the gut. Sorry I don't have the references. Lack of energy, fatigue, muscle weakness and gut issues are major symptoms for me and my ME.
I've also recently read a number of diabetic patient posts on various forums claiming to have suffered muscle fatigue, weakness and gut issues after taking Metformin.
My history is that I am a skinny type 2 diabetic who started taking Metformin in around March of 2011. After starting Metformin I noticed a lack of muscle strength during weight training at the gym and a lack of muscle strength when bushwalking and cycling. Nothing as bad as I am now, but noticeable. I asked my GP at the time whether Metformin might be causing it but she said no.
A few months after this I took statins which had a catastrophic effect on me and I believe contributed significantly to the development of severe ME.
Around this same period of time my diabetes was harder to manage and I was prescribed higher doses of Metformin to control my diabetes.
Fast forward 5 years and I have been able to reduce the dose of Metformin. I am also more active than 5 years ago but still significantly impaired. I can walk a few steps but any further requires a wheelchair.
Today I spoke to the Endocrinologist about the possible link between Metformin and muscle weakness, fatigue and gut problems. She didn't comment on the theory but is happy for me to try stopping Metformin and seeing what happens. Apparently you don't have to titrate down and it lasts 72 hours in the system.
I don't know what the outcome will be but I think it is worth a try. My body really doesn't cope with medications and I am very reactive. Metformin may be more of a problem than I realised.
There is a risk that my blood sugar levels will shoot up. I will have to be super careful with my diet. But if I limit carbs too much and can't make up for it with healthy fats then I will lose weight (which I can't afford to do).
Hopefully it might lead to me being more active and not needing diabetic medication at all. Who knows! If it doesn't go well she suggested trying other forms of diabetic medications.
I am tagging you @alex3619 because I remember you writing that you are on Metformin and declining over time.
I will keep everyone posted on my experiment!
Best wishes Andy
I've also recently read a number of diabetic patient posts on various forums claiming to have suffered muscle fatigue, weakness and gut issues after taking Metformin.
My history is that I am a skinny type 2 diabetic who started taking Metformin in around March of 2011. After starting Metformin I noticed a lack of muscle strength during weight training at the gym and a lack of muscle strength when bushwalking and cycling. Nothing as bad as I am now, but noticeable. I asked my GP at the time whether Metformin might be causing it but she said no.
A few months after this I took statins which had a catastrophic effect on me and I believe contributed significantly to the development of severe ME.
Around this same period of time my diabetes was harder to manage and I was prescribed higher doses of Metformin to control my diabetes.
Fast forward 5 years and I have been able to reduce the dose of Metformin. I am also more active than 5 years ago but still significantly impaired. I can walk a few steps but any further requires a wheelchair.
Today I spoke to the Endocrinologist about the possible link between Metformin and muscle weakness, fatigue and gut problems. She didn't comment on the theory but is happy for me to try stopping Metformin and seeing what happens. Apparently you don't have to titrate down and it lasts 72 hours in the system.
I don't know what the outcome will be but I think it is worth a try. My body really doesn't cope with medications and I am very reactive. Metformin may be more of a problem than I realised.
There is a risk that my blood sugar levels will shoot up. I will have to be super careful with my diet. But if I limit carbs too much and can't make up for it with healthy fats then I will lose weight (which I can't afford to do).
Hopefully it might lead to me being more active and not needing diabetic medication at all. Who knows! If it doesn't go well she suggested trying other forms of diabetic medications.
I am tagging you @alex3619 because I remember you writing that you are on Metformin and declining over time.
I will keep everyone posted on my experiment!
Best wishes Andy