Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ellie on November 4, 2008 at 6:35am

Um--YIKES! I have also used metformin for several years and have always considered it a pretty safe way to help overcome my insulin resistance. So far my kidney results are always good. I will be looking foward to hearing others' responses.

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Permalink Reply by Joe_h on November 4, 2008 at 7:33am

have used it for a number of years (3 or 4) and not aware of any kidney problems. how did they detect your problem?

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Permalink Reply by Hana Rous on November 4, 2008 at 8:02am

Blood tests

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Permalink Reply by Patti Burns on November 4, 2008 at 2:17pm

BEEN ON METFORMIN SINCE JANUARY, IS THAT WHY MY DOCTOR IS ALWAYS ASKING HOW I'VE BEEN FEELING? I HAVE ALWAYS HAD GOOD READINGS BUT WHAT YOU'VE WRITTEN I'LL TAKE THAT TO THE DOCTOR CAUSE I DON'T NEED ANOTHER REASON TO GO TO THE DOCTOR AND MORE MONEY SPENT IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. THANKS. I TAKE 2X 500 METFORMIN MYSELF A DAY SO AGAIN THANKS AND I HOPE THAT THEY CAN DO SOMETHING ELSE FOR YOU. I'LL KEEP MY EYES AND EARS OPEN FOR YOU. PATTI

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Permalink Reply by saundra barragan on November 4, 2008 at 4:49pm

Hi Hana,
I have stage 3 chronic kidney disease which existed before i was diagnosed with diabetes. When i was first diagnosed the reason I was not permitted to take metformin was because of the kidney disease. It is definitely contraindicated in the presence of kidney disease. My kidney doc permitted Glipizide or Actos or Byetta. Unfortunatley none of them really worked for me and they did make my kidneys worse. But since they didn't work for me there was no reason not to use the insulin. Insulin works great and has not harmed my kidneys or my liver. As a matter of fact I have been able to recoup some kidney function and get me out of stage 4 and back up to a stage 3 where i am at the present time. I cannot say the insulin did that, but the kidney doc thinks the prednisone i am on and the fact we are getting my thyroid functioning better by switching me to the Armour Thyroid from the Synthroid has made a big difference for me. Here again let me say those things might not work for other people. They have just helped me.
I can say that if it was me, getting the diagnosis of stage 3 chronic kidney failure for the first time, I would definitely get the opinion of a certified kidney doc (nephrologist) about my jkidneys and about the Metformin. I would also ask him/her about what form of oral treatment they would recommend for the diabetes. This is a long term deal. I wouldn't leave it up to a person who does not treat kidneys to make the decision. Then again, this is just me. I have worked so hard and so long to keep my kidneys it is a bit of a touchy subject to me. I wish you the best.

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Permalink Reply by Hana Rous on November 5, 2008 at 4:22am

I am on blood pressure mwds too, so perhaps Lisinopril would be the answer. It is probably thyt which caused the kidney damage, but my doctor, who has studied diabetes, says NOT to drop the Metformin. I know I can manage the diabetes medicine free and If I can get more weight off I might manage the blood pressure. I have lost about 35 pounds and could do with losing about as much again, but despite not going off my low carb diet, I've been stalled on weight loss for months. I suspect that what would suit me best, would probably be Byetta, but there's no chance of getting it. The system here in Britain, doesn't really allow patients much freedom to chose treatment.

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Permalink Reply by christine on November 4, 2008 at 4:43pm

Did your doctor ever put you on a drug called Lisinopril? It is supposed to help protect the kidneys. When i went on Metformin he put me on Lisinopril at the same time...inquire with your doctor. Good Luck.

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Permalink Reply by Ellie on November 4, 2008 at 7:15pm

Lisiniprol is, however, a blood pressure med, not a diabetes med per se. Although many diabetics also have blood pressure issues.

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Permalink Reply by saundra barragan on November 5, 2008 at 7:16am

Hi Hana,
The Lisinopril is good. Another drug which is even better is Diovan. Here again it may not even be a blood pressure med you can get, but you can ask. it does an even better job protecting the kidneys. I was switched to that one. And i suspect the Byetta would be better for you. that is the one my kidney doc wanted to begin with, but that never happens right at the beginning. Anyway the best thing to do is just watch your blood work, BMP (basic metaboloc panel) for the BUN and Creatinine and your GFR (glomerular filtration rate) to see how your kidneys are doing. If you have no other symptoms other than your blood pressure you may do just fine. Kidneys usually take a long time and creep up on you gradually, but you can take care and do all the things you are already doing and.thye can hang in there for you for years doing okay. You know now to be on the alert and I have watched you post for quite a while. i know you are a careful person and serious about taking care of yourself. So, I suspect that you will do really well and everything will go on okay for you. If i can answer anything or help with anything i will be very happy to do so. Right now, let some of this stress go off of you. You always do a good job Hana and I believe in you. I am sending you a big hug. Blessings be with you.

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Permalink Reply by Hana Rous on November 5, 2008 at 8:39am

Thank you for the boost. I was beginning to feel down and needed just that.

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Permalink Reply by Hana Rous on November 18, 2008 at 10:09am

I was diaggnosed 5 years ago and have been resisting going on to Insulin. I'd rather come off all medication. I think I can do it.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa on December 22, 2010 at 6:42am

I been on Insulin since 2/10 and I'd rather be on it then the pills. I do still take metformin. It just isn't that big of a deal to inject.

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