Posted on 06/16/2024 8:41:40 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Researchers could be closer to discovering a better way to use metformin, a common type 2 diabetes medication.
Metformin is typically taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, but new research is suggesting patients could see improved results if it's taken before meals.
Dr. Cong Xie and a team which studied the gastrointestinal effects of the drug on 16 people living with type 2 diabetes who were already using it to treat the condition.
Their findings were published and are now being used in e-learning by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (one of the largest international platforms for diabetes research and clinical practice).
"Our results demonstrate administering metformin 30 to 60 minutes before a meal reduces plasma glucose levels while increasing the secretion of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and insulin levels," Dr. Xie said.
"GLP-1 is a hormone secreted from the gut, which exhibits several actions, including the suppression of appetite, stimulation of insulin, slowing of gastric emptying and the subsequent glucose absorption in the intestine, all of which are beneficial for the control of blood sugar and body weight.
"A number of GLP-1-based drugs are now used clinically for the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes."
Dr. Xie said the plasma GLP-1 levels increased only when metformin was given before the subjects were given a glucose infusion and not at the same time.
"This suggests the levels are affected by changes in the glucose-gut interaction," he said.
Associate Professor Wu said the study found there was no real difference to the nausea scores of patients between the administration times.
"The findings of our study suggest that the empirical recommendation for ingestion of metformin with meals may have compromised its efficacy to improve blood glucose control after meals," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
They found no issues with nausea, taking it during this earlier time.
Sounds worth trying.
This information is of some importance to me. Thanks for posting!
While I’m sure the info is accurate, it’s rather sad that it this long to figure it out. Seems like a people are asleep at the wheel.
Wonder how that works if the Metformin is time released?
LOL! They didn't ask ME !!! Was never so relieved as when my doctor put me on injected insulin and let me stop taking Metformin. Stuff left me feeling like I'd swallowed an industrial floor cleaner unless I followed up instantly with a full meal.
16 people is not a real big study, but it’s worth a try. Thanks for posting it.
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