Can a type 1 diabetic take an insulin-resistence drug in addition to insulin to better control blood glucose?
A fellow caregiver asked...
Can a Type 1 diabetic take an insulin-resistence drug (e.g. metformin), in addition to insulin, to better control blood glucose?
Expert Answer
Theresa Garnero is clinical nurse manager of Diabetes Services at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.
No. That would be considered off label. Type 1 diabetes is an insulin deficiency issue. Although some type 1s may be overweight and at risk for insulin resistance, it may seem logical to consider medications to reduce that resistance thereby improving glucose control while continuing to take insulin injections.
Metformin is also used to help regular ovulation, but for someone with type 1? I have never personally seen it used.