Metformin and Kidney Problems
Are you confused by the information regarding Metformin and Kidney Problems? I don’t blame you. There is a lot of information available—some saying you shouldn’t worry, other’s making scary claims.
You need to know the truth so you can make good decisions about your health and taking Metformin.
Let’s start with most reliable source—the real information that comes, by law, with every prescription. That insert contains everything that must be told to consumers. The product comes with a variety of warnings regarding kidney problems and taking the medication. Interestingly, the insert does not specifically say that the drug causes problems with your kidneys.
There are a couple of challenges here, thought that you need to understand. The drug itself is removed from your body by passing through the kidneys. Diabetes by its nature is hard on the kidneys. In fact, one of the long-term problems with diabetes that is hard to control is kidney damage. For many people if this problem is caught early on, the problem can be slowed down medically. It is rarely halted.
Metformin and Kidney Problems
If kidney problems are not found early, they tend to become self-perpetuating. This can lead to many difficulties such as dialysis and the need for an organ transplant. This is a tough road for diabetics as very specific weight goals must be reached and level blood sugar levels must be maintained to qualify. Even with long-term dialysis, this is an outcome you truly want to avoid.
As you can see Metformin and kidney issues do not have a 1:1 relationship. Diabetes increases the possibility that any kidney problems you have will be an issue. Metformin seems to amp up that reality to another level. If someone in your family has had any kidney problems, your risk level is also likely increased. The resulting combination of increased risk from diabetes, Metformin and genetics needs to be considered.
To be confident in your choices, kidney function must be tested to create a baseline. Thanks to plenty of information, you can find out if your current level of function is normal, at risk, or even starting to change. Without this information you and your doctor don’t really know how your body is responding to the disease and the medication.
Testing is truly essential. Early warning signs of compromised kidney function are usually ignored. Being fairly subtle and often associated with other health problems as well, it seems that Metformin likely increases and speeds up existing, underlying problems.
Ongoing testing while taking Metformin is also recommended. The area of kidney failure related to diabetes and Metformin requires knowledge you can use an informed consumer. Being your own health care advocate makes the difference in results from average to great or even poor outcomes.
Do not take Metformin and Kidney Problems lightly. It’s your life and health into play.
