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MGUS Diabetes Metformin
MGUS diabetes metformin may be a three magic words for people diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS is a form of pre-myeloma) as well as diabetes.
However, I believe it is important to understand the risks and benefits of any and all therapies- conventional or non. I mean, even drinking too much water too fast can cause serious health problems.
Metformin is a commonly prescribed medication for managing type 2 diabetes. It works by decreasing the amount of sugar produced by the liver and increasing the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using metformin for various purposes beyond diabetes treatment, such as anti-aging, weight loss, and potential cancer prevention.
Here are some potential risks and benefits associated with supplementing with metformin:
Benefits:
- Blood Sugar Regulation: The primary and well-established benefit of metformin is its ability to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver.
- Weight Management: Some individuals may experience modest weight loss while taking metformin. It is thought to work by reducing appetite and calorie intake, although the mechanism is not entirely understood.
- Potential Cardiovascular Benefits: Some studies suggest that metformin may have cardiovascular benefits beyond its blood sugar-lowering effects. It may help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular events.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Metformin is sometimes used as a treatment for women with PCOS to help regulate menstrual cycles and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Potential Anti-Cancer Effects: Some research suggests that metformin may have anti-cancer properties, though more studies are needed to establish this.
Risks:
- Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Common side effects of metformin include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach upset. These symptoms can be dose-dependent and may improve over time.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Prolonged use of metformin has been associated with a potential risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anemia and neurological problems.
- Lactic Acidosis (Rare): Although rare, metformin can potentially lead to a serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. This is more likely to occur in individuals with kidney dysfunction or other medical conditions that affect acid-base balance.
- Interaction with Other Medications: Metformin can interact with certain medications, so it’s important to inform your healthcare provider of all the medications you are taking.
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): While less common than some other diabetes medications, metformin can sometimes cause low blood sugar, especially if used in combination with other blood sugar-lowering drugs.
- Not Suitable for Everyone: Metformin is not recommended for individuals with severe kidney impairment, liver disease, or certain other medical conditions. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if metformin is appropriate for your specific situation.
I guess I’m writing this blog post for diabetics who have been diagnosed with pre-myeloma in particular because a chemotherapy called dexamethasone is prescribed throughout the journey of the average myeloma patient. And dexamethasone is a glucosteroid that caused a person’s blood sugar to spike.
Myeloma is a challenge for the diabetic patient.
Have you been diagnosed with MGUS? Are you diabetic or pre-diabetic? Let me know- David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com.
David Emerson
- MM Survivor
- MM Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Impact of metformin on the progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma
“Multiple myeloma (MM) arises from asymptomatic precursor states, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) [1,2]… Although the survival of MM has improved dramatically due to several major therapeutic advances in recent years, MM remains incurable and is associated with significant morbidity [4].
Metformin is a widely used drug for diabetes that has been shown to reduce the risk of developing multiple solid cancers among diabetics [7]…
In conclusion, we have shown that anti-diabetic medications may have a protective effect on the development of MM in diabetic patients with MGUS. These results add to previous data by Chang et al and other studies showing a protective effect of metformin on the development of cancer [11]. Preclinical studies have also shown anti-myeloma effects of metformin [16,17]. Future studies should address the effect of tight glycemic control, in addition to other metformin-specific mechanisms, on MGUS progression to MM in diabetic patients. MM will be an increasing burden on our population due to aging and increasing rates of obesity. Therefore, exploring opportunities to prevent the development of MM is critical…”
More Evidence Metformin May Be Neuroprotective
“New research suggests terminating metformin may raise the risk for dementia in older adults with type 2 diabetes, providing more evidence of metformin’s potential neuroprotective effects…
TAKEAWAY:
- Adults who stopped metformin early were 21% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia during follow up (hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.12 – 1.30), compared with routine metformin users.
- This association was largely independent of changes in A1c level and insulin usage.
IN PRACTICE:
The findings “corroborate the largely consistent evidence from other observational studies showing an association between metformin use and lower dementia incidence [and] may have important implications for clinical treatment of adults with diabetes,” the authors write.