Glucophage (Metformin)

[DrJMW]

Every so often, I get asked about various meds associated with antiaging and optimal fitness. So, periodically, I will publish some info about various meds. Today, I want to write about Glucophage.

Tradiitonally used as an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering both basal and postprandial (after-meal) plasma glucose.

Decreases hepatic glucose production (allows the reduction of liver glycogen stores and inhibits gluconeogenesis); decreases intestinal absorption of glucose (carb blocker); improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization (allows muscle tissue to better absorb carbs rather than adipose tissue); does not produce hypoglycemia and does not cause hyperinsulinemia (potentially fatal problems encountered with using insulin in normal subjects)

This drug will probably become as common as a multivitamin in the future. As we age, most of us suffer from insulin resistance..this is a sympton of low Test and HGH/IGF-1 levels. Most obese people already suffer from insulin resistence and probably would benefit from Glucophage and/or Test and HGH therapy. This drug has many applications.

 

[Stan O'Zolol]

I have used metformin before, mostly to help get into ketosis on a CKD. I also have used it during the carb up phase, but it sounds as though this may not be optimal since it reduces the intestinal absorption rate of carbohydrates. Is this correct?

And can you elabortate on insulin sensitivity and what it means exactly?

 

[DrJMW]

It is kind of a starch blocker but not an effective one--blocks some, not all. Insulin resistance is when the cells of the body no longer react to insulin in the proper fashion. Insulin will "open the doors" of the cells to allow glucose to enter. With insulin resistance, glucose cannot get into the muscle and peripheral cells so it finds its way into the adipose tissue. Insulin resistance is part of the aging process that can be partially addressed with metformin. Interestingly, if you optimize HGH levels in these patients, their insulin resistance diminishes.

 

[DaMan]

I use ALA and Vanadyl Sulfate to help me into CKD faster, both acting as insulin mimickers - could Glucophage be used for the same purpose? If so at what dosage, with what results?

Thx.

 

[gethard1]

What timing

today my wife was put on glucophage for Poly cystic ovairin syndrome, pretty complicated but basically, her body produces alot of test and is insulin resistant therefore she is physically unable to have a normal metabolic rate other than, pack the pounds on, I saw her dp cardio fpr 3 months 3 times a week and eat 750 cals below her maintance amount and gain FAT!! So the doctor said that once the insulin problem is corrected she will stop producing HIGH amount of test and the Igf levels will also level out.

So we'll see what happens over the next month or so, I sure hope it helps.

 

[cockdezl]

"today my wife was put on glucophage for Poly cystic ovairin syndrome, pretty complicated but basically, her body produces alot of test and is insulin resistant therefore she is physically unable to have a normal metabolic rate other than, pack the pounds on, I saw her dp cardio fpr 3 months 3 times a week and eat 750 cals below her maintance amount and gain FAT!! So the doctor said that once the insulin problem is corrected she will stop producing HIGH amount of test and the Igf levels will also level out."

"So we'll see what happens over the next month or so, I sure hope it helps."

Your lucky her Doc even knew anything about PCOS and metformin, as too many are still prescribing Clomid and progesterone. My wife was diagnosed with it and the fucking moron that she went to, gave her the above combination. Doctors tend to be some of the most grossly undereducated, yet overglorified people to ever graduate from college.

 

[gethard1]

this PCOS

thing is wide spread throughout the female population possibly 40%!!

This is off topic but it seems relavent, could this also be posted over at the womens board. This illness is very sneaky and heavier woman and skinny woman can have it.

 

[Triple J]

I tried metformin in the past and felt constipated from it. It is a known side-effect, thus I would have to give it a thumbs-down, but perhaps not everyone is effected.

 

[DrJMW]

Daman--yes Glucophage will help you get into ketosis faster and maintain it..I take 500mg three times per day. This is considered a minimum dose.

 

[DaMan]

You use it to MAINTAIN? Couldn't you go hypoglycemic on that? Mr. X. said that a high dose of ALA while in ketosis did that to him...

Thx, appreciate all your help!

 

[bigrand]

Metformin made me marry the shitter.

 

[Triple J]

Metformin made me marry the shitter.

Maybe I'll try it again next cutting cycle and see how I react this time

 

[cockdezl]

Metformin reduces intestinal motility, which often causes bloating, gas and/or diarrhea. This side effect also causes a reduction in appetite, which is a plus in dieting and for NIDDM patients. Unfortunately, increasing insulin sensitivity during dieting can increase muscle catabolism. Duchaine had high hopes for insulin sensitizers during dieting phases, but later wrote that they showed increased muscle loss.

During dieting, free fatty acids tend to rise and cause a reduction in insulin sensitivity, which spares protein oxidation and partitions fatty acids for fuel. Low carb diets seem to make the best use of this phenomenon, as new studies are showing greater retention of LBM when compared to high carb diets. Therefore, insulin sensitizers should be used during bulking phases as opposed to dieting. Insulin sensitizers can be used during carb-ups on CKD's, but the high free-fatty acid levels can still interfere with normal insulin functioning. High dose niacin can be used to reduce FFA's, during carb-ups.

 

[panerai]

So, what's the bottom line: Metformin is a crap? for us, bodybuilders?

 

[bigrand]

If im not mistaken, the A man thinks the stuff is shitty also......

 

[cockdezl]

Metformin is useful during bulking phases for bodybuilders that have shitty insulin sensitivity and lack control of food intake. And also for carb-ups on CKD's.

 

[DaMan]

Metformin is useful during bulking phases for bodybuilders that have shitty insulin sensitivity and lack control of food intake. And also for carb-ups on CKD's.

I'm interested in the carb-up use. Can you (or anyone) say how it compares to ALA and how it compares to insulin?

Thx.

 

[DrJMW]

I usually get great results when I am on a low carb diet with Glucophage. I do suffer from insulin resistance because of low test and HGH levels. Ironically, metformin allows me "carb up" days without putting on any fat. Muscle catabolism is minimal for me. Mesomorphs and ectomorphs probably don't need glucophage until either their insulin is shot or until their test/HGH levels drastically drop off. I would even go so far as to say that insulin resistance--due to low test and HGH levels--is the main cause of obesity.

 

[MonStar1023]

bump

Would 500-850 mg. glucophage before a BIG carb-up meal be beneficial and probably better than ALA, vanadyl, etc.?



Where can I get my hands on some, perscription free?

 

[MonStar1023]

bump