Metformin is typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes, but I have taken it for my type 1. In general, Metformin is usually the first medication that doctors try when putting a type 2 on medication. It is typically the cheapest medication to try when starting medications as well.
What does it do?
The reason Metformin is typically taken is to improve insulin sensitivity. It does this by helping decrease glucose production in the liver. It is also known to increase insulin sensitivity, which means less insulin is more affective.
Why would a type 1 take Metformin?
Metformin can be just as beneficial to a type 1 with insulin resistance as it is to a type 2. I started taking it for a couple reasons.
- My basal rate on my insulin pump was a little high for someone of my size (I’m relatively small). This was one clue that I was at least a little insulin resistant.
- I was also having a lot of trouble with stubborn highs. Though using Afrezza significantly helped me reduce the time that I spent high when I was high, the fact that it was happening at all was a sign I may be insulin resistant.
- There’s a chance I could have PCOS. I don’t have a ton of symptoms, but once I stopped taking hormonal birth control, I had horribly painful cysts. I truly believe it was a symptom of withdrawal from the hormones (and a testament to how birth control can really screw up your body). Though I haven’t received a definitive answer from my doctors or an official diagnosis, the fact that Metformin has worked so well may also point to PCOS. Anyways. Metformin is used to treat PCOS because women with PCOS typically have elevated insulin levels and are more likely to develop diabetes.
Type 1s can take Metformin without all these reasons, even if just to simply increase insulin sensitivity and lower the glucose produced by the liver. This typically leads to lower overall insulin intake and can even aid in weight loss.
My Experience
My overall experience with Metformin is good, and I continue to take it daily. When starting the medication, you do need to start with a smaller dose and work your way up, as it can cause some stomach issues and nausea. I currently take 1000mg per day, but started at 500mg. I also take the extended release, which seems to be easier on my stomach.
Adding Metformin to my diabetes toolbox also helped to lower the my overall daily basal rate of insulin by a couple of units. Though I did not notice weight loss from the reduction, I do know my weight hasn’t fluctuated up any (which it can/has in the past). It also helps me just experience a little less of a rollercoaster daily.
Insulin resistance is not uncommon in type 1, especially the longer you’ve had diabetes. Overall, if you’re experiencing insulin resistance, I would recommend talking to your doctor about Metformin. It will vary by person whether it will help, but it’s worth a try!
