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Does Metformin Cause Hypoglycemia?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Jun 2017
Question: My urologist wants me to get a hemo A1C test to see if I have insulin resistance (he would prescribe metformin if yes). My glucose level has been steady at about 90 for years and my fasting insulin level is 5. Do I need this test?Metformin has been shown to inhibit prostate cancer progression in numerous studies.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
metformin does not cause hypoglycemia, can be used even if normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

With the blood glucose and fasting insulin levels mentioned, it is unlikely that the HBA1c is elevated but it can be done for completeness if you wish.
HBa1c is not influenced by diet or recent meals like blood glucose.

Metformin does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it pushes blood sugars towards normal but it does not cause a dip beyond that point.
This means that even if your blood sugars, HbA1c are within normal range, you can still take metformin. It would help with your prostate without causing hypoglycemia.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (18 hours later)
Dear Dr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. Follow up question: berberine is considered an over-the-counter substitute for metformin. Do you have an opinion as to its effectiveness and side effects profile?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
would need to check interactions with other medications

Detailed Answer:
HI

Beberine has been shown to be helpful in lowering blood sugar and also possible anti cancer activity along with other benefits.

It can interact with medications such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, warfarin. These are the ones that are known but you would note that the information states that it inhibits a number of different drug pathways which means can affect others potentially.
It is possible that these effects may not be significant in everyone.

Other than potential interactions, it appears to be generally safe but as a supplement it would not require regulation.

If you are considering it, you would need to cross check any other medications that you are using.

If these are checked and there are no potential interactions and your doctor agrees, then it can be tried
But if there are any interactions then this should not be considered

Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Does Metformin Cause Hypoglycemia?

Brief Answer: metformin does not cause hypoglycemia, can be used even if normal Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic With the blood glucose and fasting insulin levels mentioned, it is unlikely that the HBA1c is elevated but it can be done for completeness if you wish. HBa1c is not influenced by diet or recent meals like blood glucose. Metformin does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it pushes blood sugars towards normal but it does not cause a dip beyond that point. This means that even if your blood sugars, HbA1c are within normal range, you can still take metformin. It would help with your prostate without causing hypoglycemia. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions