Question: I have pre-diabetes and my endocrinologist wants to put me on metformin to keep me from becoming diabetic. What do you think: Is this a good idea?
Dr. Hibberd’s answer:
Metformin is used to treat diabetes, not pre-diabetes. If you have glucose intolerance, metformin helps sensitize your peripheral tissues to insulin — effectively improving insulin resistance, which is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes.
You may also find it improves your ability to maintain a healthy weight by suppressing your appetite, which in turn reduces your risk of developing a more severe form of type 2 diabetes.
You should discuss your goals with your endocrinologist, so you understand why metformin is being prescribed, and you will be able better to manage your condition when things are explained a little more to you.
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