I am interested to know if anyone has taken metformin for GDD?
My levels are really unstable, my obs wants to try Metformin. I have read some studies she gave me and sought other advice. It seems like it could be the go. JUst wanting to know if there is anyone out there who has taken it during pregnancy...
My sister is a midwife in QLD and she said its something one of her Obs does quite a lot up there and it has worked really well as hardly any of there mums end up having to be on insulin. It is something I discussed with my Dr's in NSW but apparently there hasn't been a lot of study done into it. I guess different dr's have their own way of doing things - I certainly would of tried it if I had of been given the opportunity.
I'm a little confused about this...I know a few people who's Dr's use it to help with recurrent miscarriage, but when I asked my FS about using it to control my PCOS in between cycles, he said no as he doesn't like to use it when actively cycling.....
Well it's been 24 hours and my levels have dropped dramatically. I have had no other side effects. I feel really awful though like I am in a constant hypo - I think because my BSL"s have been so high for a while and now are more normal.
Thankyou all for your replies - I still would love to hear from anyone who has taken it in pregnancy???
Thats normal to feel crap as they come down Deb...... When my levels have been high for a while if I have been unwell say for instance I can feel hypo for a couple of days till my body gets used to the new "normal". The only thing you can do is ride the wave so to speak. I find if I keep exercise to a minimum until it all settles that can help and anything that keeps your mind of the hypo feeling is good (like BB...hehe) It is really hard not to do the sugar binge though...I feel your pain!!!
I took Metformin for the first trimester with DS, but that was coz of having PCOS (Metformin regulated my cycle to help me fall pg ) I believe it is category C for pregnancy (may have changed by now as they learn more about it tho).
But mine had nothing to do with sugar levels, they were all fine, mine was to do with insulin resistance. I didn't have any side effects from it either, apparently it can make you feel pretty yuck for the first couple of weeks, and it's best to gradually increase the dose to reduce that.
Thanks Mel - I still feel pretty crappy with some nausea and bowel symptoms. I know this is to be expected in the first little while. But that coupled with the hypo feelings has got me feeling very ordinary! The good news is that it has stabilised my bsls amazingly. My 3am was still at 12 which is too high but all other levels have been under 7 and above 6. So WOO HOO for that!
Liz: Thankyou - I guess I am just a little nervous. It is Cat C but I know it has been used more and more now. My diabetes has been induced (we think) from the steroids I am on to prevent an autoimmune response. So essentially it's insulin resistance. Thus I guess why the metformin has worked so well. I know that metformin crosses the placenta and that worries me. However, I cannot have my levels all over the shop either as obviously that's not good for Col. So, I have bitten the bullet and taken it! I am sure I rattle when I walk!
Thankyou all for responding. It's nice to hear from others who have done similar...
I was thinking abut this last night and I do remember there is a reason why they do not reccommend metformin in the last trimester. I can't remember where I found this out...was in a journal somewhere but to the best of memory here goes: metformin is a hypoglycaemic agent/drug that crosses the placenta and therefore can also cause the babies blood sugar to drop causing hypos in utero. This has the potential to cause fetal distress and even fetal death. Insulin does not cross the placenta and therefore cannot affect the babies sugar levels.......If you want I can ask my endo about it, he would be able to confirm this. I don't want to scare you off it but just thought I should share what I know in case you hadnt heard that as it has been nagging at me for some reason. Also remember metformin will only be effective to a certain point. As you have symptoms this early in the pregnancy and havent yet hit the period of major insulin resistance from about 24 weeks, you may find that you will probably need to cross over to insulin at some point anyways. anyhow Best of Luck and if you have any technical D questions feel free to pm me.
Thanks Mel. Yes, I know I will have to go onto insulin eventually. It does concern me that it crosses the placenta. Though from what I have read a stabilised bsl in the mother equals that in the baby. But any extra info that y ou can gather would be received with grateful open arms!
It is a bit stressful making these decisions and not knowing for sure if I am doing the right thing.
At the same time even though metformin does cross across through to the placenta so do your higher blood sugars. BSL of 12 doesn't sound very promising - have they given you a number or anything to call if you're worried?.
Melly.
That's so right Mellybuz. Met doesn't cause hypos either maternally so it is highly unlikely it will cause it fetally. In the US and South Africa Met is a cat B drug and is used frequently for GDM.
My levels have gone up somewhat today. Generally they (they being diabetes nurses!) like levels to be 7 or below no higher than 7.5. Today they have been 8. But that's better than they have been. I am still feeling crappy. REally really tired and a bit giddy.
I am in constant contact with my obs. If there is no improvement by Friday we will commence the insulin as well...
JUst a word of commone sens and experience here...8 is not a bad number. In my and my endos humble opinions the nurses can get a bit anal sometimes about the whole sugars and pregnancy thing...yes tight control is essential but so is your mental health!!! What the textbooks say and what is actually practicable on a day to day basis differs greatly...It is really your overall HBA1c that is going to tell you if you are doing okay...swings are normal and to be expected...I mean in real terms the difference between a 7.5 and the "perfect golden number" 5.5 is quite often less than half a unit of insulin a quantity not measurable in a syringe..so dont stress over it...you have had enough to worry about Deb achieving and maintaining this pregnancy and you deserve to enjoy this pregnancy as much as you possibly can. SMILES!!
Oh yes I do. The problem being though that I have to be on steroids which causes insulin resistance and as you know the further gestation I am the greater resistance occurs. So, having a higher number than I should right now doesn't augur well. The endocrinologist doesn't want me over 7.5. Unfortunately fasting I am 8 ish - as you know fasting should be around 5 or less.
My risk factors are high enough without having the GDM badly controlled.
I will get through it. It will be okay it's just something else to deal with (tears out hair!)
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Metformin in Pregnancy
) I believe it is category C for pregnancy (may have changed by now as they learn more about it tho).
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