Metformin: What Happens If You Take Metformin For A Week?

Summary

This video explores metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes medication, discussing its benefits, side effects, and potential alternatives. It highlights metformin's role in improving insulin sensitivity, reducing blood sugar levels, and potentially preventing cancer. Despite its effectiveness, metformin is controversial due to side effects like gastrointestinal issues and B12 deficiency. Alternatives such as extended-release metformin, berberine, and lifestyle changes are also discussed. The video emphasizes personalized treatment options, offering hope for diabetes and cancer management while encouraging viewers to stay informed and proactive about their health.

Takeaways

• 💊 Metformin is one of the most widely prescribed drugs for diabetes, but it's also highly controversial due to potential side effects.
• ⚠️ Recently, some metformin brands were recalled, but not all brands were affected. Pharmacies will notify patients if they are impacted.
• 😟 Common side effects of metformin include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, bloating, and gas, while rarer side effects may include B12 deficiency, chest pain, and even liver problems.
• 🩺 Metformin doesn't directly cause kidney damage, but it should be used with caution in patients with kidney failure due to the risk of lactic acidosis.
• 🍽️ To minimize side effects, metformin should be started slowly, with low doses, and always taken with food, especially dinner.
• 📉 Metformin lowers blood sugar by improving insulin resistance in the liver and increasing glucose uptake in muscles.
• 🌿 Berberine and dehydroberberine are natural alternatives to metformin with similar mechanisms of action but potentially fewer side effects.
• 🏃 Lifestyle changes, like reducing calorie and carb intake, can sometimes help manage diabetes, especially in the early stages.
• 🧪 Studies suggest that metformin and related compounds may have anti-cancer properties, working with treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• 🔬 Metformin helps boost immune response by enhancing the activity of CD8 T cells, which are crucial for attacking cancer cells.

Q & A

What is the main pharmacological effect of metformin?

Metformin's main pharmacological effect is to lower high blood sugar levels by improving insulin resistance in the liver, increasing glucose uptake in muscles, and reducing sugar absorption from the intestines.

Does metformin cause kidney damage?

Metformin does not directly cause kidney damage, but in cases of kidney failure, it may lead to a condition called lactic acidosis, which can be dangerous. This is why it’s often recommended to reduce or stop metformin if kidney function declines.

What are the common side effects of metformin?

Common side effects of metformin include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, gas, bloating, and burping. Rare side effects include chest pain, liver failure, and B12 deficiency, which can lead to neuropathy.

How does metformin help prevent cancer?

Metformin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps inhibit the mTOR protein, a key player in cell growth and cancer development. Studies have shown that metformin may prevent certain cancers and works well alongside chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.

What alternatives to metformin are available for diabetes management?

Alternatives to metformin include lifestyle changes such as reducing calorie and carb intake, extended-release metformin, berberine, dehydroberberine, and medications like sulfonylureas and pioglitazone.

What is berberine, and how does it compare to metformin?

Berberine is a natural supplement that, like metformin, improves insulin sensitivity by activating AMPK. It has similar effects on blood sugar and cholesterol and may have fewer gastrointestinal side effects than metformin.

What is dehydroberberine, and why is it considered superior to berberine?

Dehydroberberine is a more absorbable form of berberine, making it more effective and reducing gastrointestinal side effects. It offers similar benefits for insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Why is B12 deficiency a concern with metformin use?

Metformin may prevent the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines, which can lead to B12 deficiency over time. This is significant because B12 deficiency can cause neuropathy, a condition that diabetics are already at risk for.

What are the risks associated with sulfonylurea drugs as alternatives to metformin?

Sulfonylurea drugs stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin continuously, which can lead to pancreatic beta cell failure, low blood sugar, weight gain, and other side effects like abdominal pain and diarrhea.

What are some side effects of pioglitazone, another alternative to metformin?

Pioglitazone, an insulin sensitizer, can cause weight gain, water retention (edema), and potentially worsen heart failure. It also has a possible link to an increased risk of bladder cancer and bone fractures.

Outlines

00:00

💊 Metformin's Role in Diabetes and Cancer Prevention

This paragraph introduces metformin, a drug commonly used for diabetes treatment, and its potential benefits beyond lowering blood sugar. It explains how metformin improves insulin sensitivity, reduces sugar production in the liver, and aids glucose uptake in muscles. It also highlights its anti-cancer properties, particularly by inhibiting mTOR protein and rejuvenating CD8 T cells, which are vital for immune responses against cancer cells. Studies have shown metformin's potential in treating various cancers, including melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and lung cancer.

05:01

📉 Metformin Recall, Side Effects, and Alternatives

This section discusses the recent recall of certain metformin brands and reassures that recalls affect only specific manufacturers, not all metformin on the market. It covers lifestyle changes, such as reducing calorie and carb intake, as an alternative treatment for diabetes. Extended-release metformin is mentioned as a more tolerable alternative to standard metformin. Another alternative, berberine, is introduced as a supplement that mimics metformin’s effects, improving insulin resistance and gut health. Dehydroberberine, a superior form, is noted for its better absorption and fewer side effects.

10:05

🩺 Risks of Kidney Damage and Other Side Effects

This paragraph addresses concerns about metformin’s potential to cause kidney damage. While metformin does not directly harm kidneys, it can lead to lactic acidosis in rare cases if the kidneys cannot clear the drug properly. The text advises reducing or stopping metformin as kidney function declines. It also stresses the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, in managing diabetes without solely relying on medication. The speaker encourages viewers to stay informed about their treatment options and maintain a proactive approach to their health.

Keywords

💡Metformin

Metformin is a widely prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, particularly in the liver and muscles. In the video, metformin is described not only as a diabetes treatment but also as a controversial drug due to its side effects and potential benefits in cancer prevention.

💡AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme that plays a central role in regulating cellular energy homeostasis. In the video, metformin's effect on activating AMPK is highlighted, as this activation helps reduce glucose production in the liver and increases glucose uptake in muscles. Additionally, AMPK plays a role in inhibiting mTOR, which is important for cancer prevention.

💡Cancer prevention

Cancer prevention is a recurring theme in the video, as metformin is shown to affect molecular pathways related to cancer growth, including its ability to enhance the function of CD8 T-cells and inhibit cancer-promoting pathways like mTOR. The video suggests that metformin can be effective both in preventing cancer and enhancing cancer treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

💡B12 deficiency

B12 deficiency is a potential side effect of prolonged metformin use, as the drug can interfere with B12 absorption in the intestines. This deficiency can cause symptoms like neuropathy, which is particularly concerning for diabetic patients who are already prone to nerve damage. The video emphasizes the importance of monitoring B12 levels for those on long-term metformin therapy.

💡Berberine

Berberine is presented as a natural alternative to metformin. It works similarly by activating AMPK and improving insulin sensitivity. The video discusses how berberine may have fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to metformin while still offering benefits for glucose metabolism and gut health. The more absorbable form, dehydroberberine, is mentioned as an even better option.

💡Lactic acidosis

Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious complication associated with metformin, particularly in patients with impaired kidney function. The video explains that metformin must be properly cleared by the kidneys to avoid this dangerous condition, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring kidney function is crucial when prescribing metformin.

💡mTOR

mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) is a protein that regulates cell growth and metabolism. In the video, metformin's inhibition of mTOR is highlighted as one of its mechanisms for preventing cancer, as mTOR is involved in cancer cell proliferation. By blocking mTOR through AMPK activation, metformin may slow down cancer progression.

💡Extended-release metformin

Extended-release metformin is discussed as an alternative to regular metformin, potentially offering better gastrointestinal tolerance. The video explains that although this formulation may reduce some side effects, it is not guaranteed to work for everyone who experiences issues with standard metformin.

💡Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes, including calorie and carbohydrate restriction, are suggested as an effective approach to managing early-stage type 2 diabetes. The video emphasizes that such changes can reduce fat accumulation in the liver and pancreas, thereby improving insulin function and glucose metabolism, potentially reducing the need for medication like metformin.

💡CD8 T-cells

CD8 T-cells are a type of immune cell that plays a key role in attacking cancer cells. In the video, metformin is shown to revitalize exhausted CD8 T-cells in lab studies, making them more effective against tumors. This potential enhancement of immune function contributes to metformin's emerging reputation as an anti-cancer agent.

Highlights

Metformin's primary effect is to lower high blood sugar levels by improving insulin resistance in the liver and increasing glucose uptake in muscles.

Metformin has been shown to affect a wide range of molecular pathways involved in cancer development and may help prevent or treat various cancers.

A metformin recall has recently occurred, but it only affects certain brands and batches, not all metformin worldwide.

Metformin alternatives include lifestyle changes like calorie and carb restriction, which can help manage diabetes, especially in its early stages.

Extended-release metformin may be more tolerable than standard metformin, although it is not a guaranteed solution for everyone.

Berberine is a popular natural alternative to metformin, improving insulin sensitivity and cholesterol with similar mechanisms.

Dehydroberberine, a more absorbable form of berberine, offers fewer side effects and better efficacy than standard berberine.

Sulfonylurea drugs are another option but have different mechanisms from metformin and carry risks such as low blood sugar and weight gain.

Pioglitazone is an FDA-approved drug that reduces insulin resistance but can cause side effects like weight gain, water retention, and a potential increased risk of bladder cancer.

Metformin does not directly cause kidney damage but can lead to lactic acidosis in cases of kidney failure, necessitating dose adjustments or stopping the drug.

One of metformin's lesser-known side effects is vitamin B12 deficiency, which can contribute to neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes.

Most common side effects of metformin include gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, gas, and bloating, but they tend to subside over time.

Rare side effects of metformin include chest pain, liver failure, cardiovascular issues like palpitations, and shortness of breath.

The starting dose of metformin is recommended at 500 mg with meals, gradually increasing to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.

Metformin and berberine have demonstrated anti-cancer properties, with over 300 clinical trials showing promising results in cancer prevention and treatment.

Transcripts

metformin's main pharmacological effect is it is  the most controversial drug used for diabetes as  

well now recently there was a metformin recall  does metformin really cause kidney damage  

what are the metformin alternatives what else  can i take besides metformin right metformin  

was first shown to help diabetics avoid cancer in  2005 whereas early studies show that it affects a  

wide range of molecular pathways that play a role  in the development of almost every type of cancer  

but other studies show that it works well with a  wide range of other anti-cancer treatments like  

your chemotherapy if you already have cancer your  radiotherapy your immunotherapy etc in addition  

a growing number of clinical studies show  that it can help prevent cancers metformin's  

main pharmacological effect is to lower high  blood sugar levels as you all know that is mostly  

because it improves insulin resistance in the  liver which is an organ that causes a lot of sugar  

production in your system and releases into your  bloodstream and it also helps increase glucose  

uptake in your muscles so that your blood sugar  goes down and also decreases the absorption of  

sugar from your intestine overall improves your  insulin sensitivity it does that by activating  

a cell energy sensor known as amp-activated  protein kinase now that main target for this  

enzyme is mtor protein which is super important  for cell growth and cancer dynamics now amp  

kinase stops the mtor from working which is very  important in preventing cell growth and cancer  

in addition glucose metabolism is in the heart of  the metabolic arrangement found in cancer cells so  

metformin primarily affect the glucose metabolism  one of the things that metformin does is  

making cd8t lymphocytes more powerful and help  them recover from exhaustion cd8 t cells are one  

of the most important parts of cellular immunity  against tumors because these cells can attack  

cancer cells metformin was able to bring back that  exhausted cd8 positive t lymphocytes back to life  

in the lab studies this has happened for leukemia  this has happened in melanoma renal cell carcinoma  

or kidney cell carcinoma non-small cell lung  carcinoma gastrointestinal cancers or even breast  

cancers metformin is the most commonly prescribed  medication for treatment of diabetes in the world  

yet it is the most controversial drug used  for diabetes as well in fact up to 90 percent  

of people have some sort of side effect such as  diarrhea excessive gas bloating burping and so on  

now rare side effects can even include chest pain  and liver failure and so on now sometimes common  

side effects are tolerable and sometimes they  are not one of the most forgotten side effects  

is b12 deficiency again metformin may prevent  the absorption of b12 in the intestinal system  

and ironically b12 deficiency can cause neuropathy  and diabetes can cause neuropathy so you don't  

want to miss b12 deficiency especially after  a prolonged use of metformin now what are the  

other side effects sometimes cardiovascular side  effects such as palpitations chest pain can happen  

flushing can happen respiratory side effects  some people complain about shortness of breath  

now general side effects some people will have  like tiredness some people will be like weak and  

they will have muscle pains you know and that they  may not know what's going on because they may not  

attribute those side effects to metformin but  it does happen dermatological side effects such  

as skin manifestations sometimes skin eruptions  can happen rest can happen with with metformin  

typically the most common and neurological side  effects we can we can think of like a dizziness  

or headaches can happen with metformin as well  and since most side effects tend to disappear  

in time especially the gastrointestinal side  effects so the way to start this is starting  

very small like 500 milligram and then another  important thing is to start with your dinner  

and always take it with meal if you take an  empty stomach you're going to be in trouble  

so take it with meal start with dinner take it  for a week and see how it goes and if everything  

is good you don't feel bad no side effects then  maybe you can start 500 milligram twice a day  

and again with meals and maybe you can start  with the breakfast and dinner this time  

again to summarize guys start slow start with  meals start with dinner once a day only and  

then advance it twice a day maybe 500 milligrams  twice a day and then advance to maybe a thousand  

milligrams twice a day b12 deficiency now what you  do with that so basically you just have met b12  

checked maybe once a year or so or every other  year it's not really your b12 levels are not going  

to drain very quickly because b12 is a stored  vitamin so i would not uh panic about that check  

your beat world if it is normal you don't have to  check it for another year but b12 is very easy you  

can take your b12 supplement if you're deficient  if you have pernicious anemia you can take an  

injection now recently there was a metformin  recall now with the metformin recall i wouldn't  

worry about this gmat because when there's a drug  recalled they're gonna let your pharmacy know and  

pharmacy will call you now metformin recall does  not mean that they recalled all the metformin  

in the world no that's not true some metformin  brands again there's like a god knows 20 30 100  

brands out there that make metformin because it's  the most commonly used medication in the market  

right now so uh some of the companies screwed  up and if they figure that out very quickly  

and they said you had to pull that drug  immediately what are the metformin alternatives  

what else can i take besides metformin right let's  start with the simplest one the lifestyle change  

right well the studies have repeatedly confirmed  that you can actually achieve diabetes control  

especially early stages by restricting calorie and  carb intake because excess fat in the liver causes  

excess supply of fat in the pancreas which leads  to impaired functioning of the pancreas which is  

the insulin producing hormonal gland in your body  now reduced intake of calories not only decreases  

the production of glucose but also contributes  to weight loss along with the clearance of fat  

from the liver and pancreas what is your other  option well excellent release metformin can be  

an alternative to standard metformin as well  so most of you may never heard of that or some  

of you may already be taking this but it is  slightly more tolerable than regular metformin  

but there is no guarantee that you will be  able to tolerate extended release metformin  

if you have trouble to begin with metformin  as well now berberine is an alternative to  

metformin as well right so berberine is a great  diabetes supplement that is frequently used  

to treat type 2 diabetes not by the doctors but  by the people berberine is a really good compound  

that can improve insulin sensitivity hundreds of  different studies have been conducted to determine  

its effect on type 2 diabetes and cholesterol and  most of them pointing to metformin-like features  

it works with a cellular mechanism called  amp kinase activation which is an enzyme  

that works as a partial signal switch and  it helps you improve your insulin resistance  

by making your own body breakdown glucose better  and faster as a result of that your cholesterol  

also improves and your ldl the bad cholesterol  also improves what else it does it also improves  

the gastrointestinal flora your bacteria in  the gastrointestinal system by increasing the  

good bacteria and it helps to reduce the amount of  carbohydrates that are absorbed or broken down by  

your body both berberine and meth vermin can cause  gastrointestinal distress but berberine is less  

likely to do so so is there anything better than  berberine right that's the question is there such  

thing yes dehydroberberine is a superior form of  berberine the hydrobarbarian's chemical structure  

allows it to be more readily absorbable by the  body and it reduces the side effects there are  

other drugs such as sulfonylurea drugs some  people may say alternative to metabolism but  

it's no it's not the mechanism of action is  totally different than metformin and the side  

effects of these medications like glyphosate  glyburide or glutamateride are totally different  

and worse they make your pancreatic cells make  insulin all the time without taking a break  

causing long-term failure of your pancreatic beta  cells you can still have even abdominal pain and  

diarrhea but the worst problems associated with  sulfonylurea class is that it is low blood sugar  

and weight gain well paya guiltazone is one  pioglethazon is licensed fda approved for a  

long time it reduces the insulin resistance in  the liver muscle and fat tissue as well and as a  

result you know your body will be able to uptake  the glucose a lot easier so it is in a sense we  

call it an insulin sensitizer in a way similar to  metformin although not exactly it does not have  

the gastrointestinal side effects of metformin  but it does cause weight gain water retention  

or edema you can call it and a possible worsening  of heart failure if you are taking that medication  

with insulin and a possible increased risk of  bone fractures have been reported and a slight  

but questionable risk of bladder cancer  does metformin really cause kidney damage  

it does not directly cause kidney damage but what  happens when you have a kidney failure because in  

excessive doses if metformin is not clear by your  body there is something called lactic acidosis  

which can actually kill you now thankfully it  is very very rare but i'm okay with stopping  

or reducing metformin as the kidney function goes  down just to protect you from the possible lactic  

acidosis that happens with metformin but again  you know we work with the patients you know if  

you don't feel comfortable it is okay to stop it  it's not like the only medication in the market  

there are a lot of ways to do it and if you are  dedicated to change your lifestyle and do some  

exercise and dieting and change your lifestyle  entirely that is probably the best thing you can  

do it may or may not be enough in every case every  case is different but i think you have options as  

long as you know your options and you're educated  and that's why you're watching this channel  

i think you have the odds to your favor guys make  sure you like this video share and give a thumbs  

up and we'll see in the next one metformin is  an old drug that has been repurposed nowadays  

people who don't trust metformin manufacturers  due to frequent recalls etc turn into natural  

alternatives that does pretty much the same  thing that the metformin does such as berberine  

or the more absorbable form of berberine which  is dehydroberberine now it is good to see that  

overall results from clinical trials and studies  have shown that both metformin and its natural  

cousins dehydrobarbarian etc protect against a  wide range of different types of cancer that's a  

new hope great hope as of 2022 there are more than  300 clinical trials showing or trying to prove  

anti-cancer benefits of these agents and most have  been successful so make sure you check out our  

website for super berberine and make sure you guys  stay free happy and healthy i'll see you in the  

next video hey guys i hope you are enjoying this  channel so far and i hope you subscribed already  

if you didn't do it and if you did watch this  video right there i think that will help you too