Metformin-Insulin Combo for Diabetes

Metformin is popular because it works well, is generally well tolerated, hardly ever causes hypo episodes, and is a doctor's wet dream for easy patient management. It is not without risk, however. The relatively huge doses required (up to two grams daily) can damage kidneys or cause other problems. I still question the wisdom of not discontinuing it when insulin therapy is initiated. There are of course other opinions. Personally, I am glad to be off of Metformin after nearly a decade of using it. It contributed to my kidney problems at the very least, and may have been the principal cause.

>I am not so sure about shooting insulin and being on Metformin also. It does not make a lot of sense to me. Talk to your doc about getting off the Metformin altogether.<

Lots of us are on both insulin and metformin-- believe me, it's not an unusual combo of meds. After all, metformin is not a hypoglycemic, plus any drug that will help a type two be less insulin resistant as well as help keep the liver from doing those unfortunate glucose dumps quite so readily, well, when it works, it's very effective.
Anyone with normal kidney function is a good candidate for at least a trial course of metformin, if they can't get their glucose under control with just diet and exercise. In fact, from what I see, metformin seems to be the first go-to drug most docs are using these days. Naturally, careful, regular monitoring is necessary to make sure liver and kidney functions stay within normal limits.