pred and metformin

[tinydes234]

I have been put on metformin as by A1C was to high after being on pred for two and a half years. Anyone out there have any experience with this drug.

Thank you for any information you can give me.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

How high is your Hba1c? There are a lot of people on the forum who got their Hba1c back to normal levels by cutting carbs drastically - and didn't need medication. It is one thing we tell almost everyone - cutting carbs, especially processed ones, is a very good move when you are on pred. It reduces the likelihood of weight gain, of developing steroid-induced diabetes and fluid retention with pred.

I think there are a few people on metformin.

[TINYdes in reply to PMRpro]

My A1C is 8.2. I reposted as I somehow had an incorrect email address on this username. My post is under TINYdes.

[Microbe1943 in reply to TINYdes]

you asked me how long I have been on steroids (microbe 1943) somewhere. July 2021. Had been sick with symptoms for4 months before getting to a rheumatologist. Started on 10 mg. Stayed with that till April 2022 when I was switched to Medrol 8 mg in divided AM/PM doses. Medrol because it "is metabolized differently" tho it is "stronger. (8 mg Medrol is like 10 mg Prednisone according to Rheumy). Now I am on 3 mg (slow taper). First 4/4, then 4/3, 4/2, 3/2, 2/2, now 2/1. Was on 4/4 long. 4/2 long. Last few drops are maybe 2 weeks each. Having some trouble with the 3 mgs/day. Low BP and diarrhea. We are assessing if it is withdrawal or ? Will get some blood work today to see. Important for me to get off this drug. Changed to medrol because of extreme emotional reaction and nightmares. The extreme emotions, crying alot are much better. Stressful dreams and sometimes nightmares still present.

[TINYdes in reply to Microbe1943]

Thank you. I found your reply. Good luck to all of us.

[Koalajane]

I was diagnosed type 2 but given gliclazide not metformin and it worked well for me. I have been in remission for nearly 5 years with my type 2 controlled by diet and exercise(walking). Good luck

[TINYdes in reply to Koalajane]

Thank u for your reply

[nallufl24]

I was on Metformin while on high doses of prednisone. The first 2 weeks were rough. It gave me heartburn, stomach pain and diarrhea. I almost gave up on it. Then after that I was perfectly fine. I took it from 60 mg prednisone til 10 mg. My blood sugar then went back to normal

[TINYdes in reply to nallufl24]

I also have stomach issues. Will work harder on my diet so hopefully I can get off of it

[Nightingales]

I have steroid induced DM type 2. Twice I have returned to a normal HBA1C and come off Metformin and twice I have had a “flare” of Diabetes along with a flare of PMR. I am now on two slow release Metformin and have much less abdominal pain on them. I am down to 55 but could be better if I had better will power. Low carb really works on my weight and diabetes but not on my mood 🥴

[TINYdes in reply to Nightingales]

I know. Sometimes you need what u need. LOL

[Logic]

Same here. I was put on a low dose of metformin for the same reason. It is common to do this. I took it till I was off prednisone and then stopped my first go-round. Had a flare and was back on prednisone and metformin again and now that I am down to 1 mg, my doctor said I could stop. It does the job of keeping your A1C levels at a good place.

[TINYdes in reply to Logic]

Hopefully you will continue to do well

[loomweaver]

Hi, I am also on metformin and gliclazide, as I have steriod induced type 2, it has controled the diabetus quite well up until now, but it has gone a bit haywire these last two weeks, hope I don't have to go on insulin. Good luck with yours. xx