Wed, Aug-13-08, 15:09
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Registered Member
Posts: 4,909
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Plan: Atkins,PP - wgt in %
Stats: 100/96.8/69
BF:DWTK/DDare/JEnuf
Progress: 10%
Location: Vancouver Island, BC
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from http://www.clinicalanswers.nhs.uk/i...?question=4979:
Quote:
“Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Its pharmacologic mechanisms of action are different from other classes of oral antihyperglycemic agents. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin does not produce hypoglycemia in either patients with type 2 diabetes or normal subjects (except in special circumstances, see PRECAUTIONS) and does not cause hyperinsulinemia. With metformin therapy, insulin secretion remains unchanged while fasting insulin levels and day-long plasma insulin response may actually decrease.”
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Well, that explains the hypoglycemic episodes.
It also says, to me, your liver will produce less glucose out of glycogen (I wouldn't want to mess with that unless the liver is known to be OVERproducing glucose, critical parts of the body do require small amounts of glucose to function).
If you're lowcarbing, well, you've already reduced the amount of carbs being absorbed by the GI tract, but you MIGHT (with metformin) be increasing the efficiency of whatever carbs you ARE ingesting. Not so great, counterproductive to the point of LC.
Finally, extra insulin secretion shouldn't be a result of metformin, in and of itself...
It's really designed for people NOT on an LC diet, perhaps on a "normal" ADA diet...as their policy directs, "balanced" including way too many carbs.
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