Could Metformin Actually Make Insulin Resistance Worse?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, and Insulin Resistance (IR) often occur simultaneously. While the connection between these two conditions is, as of yet, not entirely clear, researchers have determined that IR can lead to PCOS and diabetes.1 Metformin, or Glucophage, is commonly prescribed for both of these disorders, as it is assumed to reduce IR and improve the symptoms associated with it (such as high blood sugar).

Understanding the Fine Print

Although Metformin claims to reduce IR, current labeling laws do not require pharmaceutical companies to reveal how their products achieve results, they simply must accurately represent what kind of results can be expected from their medications.2 This pharmaceutical, in particular, lowers blood sugar using less insulin, which has been taken to mean that it reduces IR.2 This may not be the case.

How Does Metformin Really Work?

Diabetes Update, a blog that reviews diabetes medications and treatment options, has published some interesting findings pertaining to how Metformin actually improves diabetes and PCOS. A study conducted on mice has suggested that the drug lowers blood sugar not by reducing IR, but by activating a gene that does not function properly. This gene, which is located in the liver, stops the production of glucose.2

According to the findings of this study, this pharmaceutical works on a deeper level than simply increasing the sensitivity of the body’s cells to insulin–it actually addresses a genetic issue. While the end result remains the same, blood sugar is lowered; the cells of the body are no more sensitive to insulin than they were before. Although the desired end result is achieved, this doesn’t necessarily heal the body in the same manner as decreasing IR would.

Determining Which PCOS Medicine to Use

Metformin is by far one of the most popular PCOS drugs on the market; however, Metformin side effects are many. Some of these side effects are associated with how the drug actually achieves a lower blood sugar level, which is not completely revealed to the public.2 Before deciding whether or not to use this pharmaceutical, women are encouraged to ask their doctors for more information about its benefits and its potential side effects.

In addition to using medications, women who are fighting PCOS may maintain a healthy blood sugar level by sticking to an IR-friendly diet. Such a diet will incorporate foods that trigger the release of as little insulin as possible. For example, women are encouraged to maintain a meal plan that is high in non-starchy vegetables yet low in fats, sugars, and simple carbohydrates. Additionally, it is suggested that they limit their intake of complex carbohydrates.

The other thing a women suffering Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) might do is to look into the Insulite Health PCOS 5-Element System that is available. In particular, the PCOS System offers hormone-balancing effects that have been scientifically calibrated to reverse the condition. That means there is hope for women who properly educate themselves and take the precautions necessary to thwart the effects of the disease, and no reason why PCOS has to be interpreted as a devastating diagnosis.

Learn more about the subject of Metformin and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and how it could be affecting your ability to get pregnant, visit us on the web at www.pcos.com.

Insulite Health, a Boulder, Colorado USA based company, is committed to reversing Insulin Resistance – a potentially dangerous imbalance of blood glucose and insulin. Scientific research has revealed that this disorder can be a primary cause of excess weight gain and obesity, plus Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Insulin Resistance can also underlie the cluster of increased risk factors for cardiovascular damage called Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) as well as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a major source of serious diseases as well as heartbreaking female infertility.

Recognizing that there are millions of people who need this kind of systematic approach to reversing insulin resistance, Insulite Health has developed systems to address the underlying causes of Metabolic Syndrome, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Excess Weight/Obesity, Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

For more information about Insulin Resistance and research links to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubMed Health, GenBank and more visit us at www.pcos.com.

1“PCOS and Insulin Resistance,” About.com, 22 July 2009 <https://pcos.about.com/od/callingyourdoctor/a/diabetes.htm> (17 February 2012).

2“New Findings About What Metformin Really Does,” Diabetes Update, 27 May 2009 <https://diabetesupdate.blogspot.com/2009/05/new-findings-about-what-metformin.html> (17 February 2012).

Next Steps

Becoming victorious over the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is not an easy task, but you can overcome your symptoms to live the life you deserve.

It takes strength, courage, and perseverance. It can be challenging and that’s why Insulite Health created the PCOS 5-Element System. It’s a step-by-step process that will help you balance your hormones and reverse PCOS symptoms using our proprietary 5% Solution.

So take the next steps now! Use the links below to learn how to make the changes that will transform your health and your life forever.

  1. Read more about PCOS
  2. Take the PCOS Test and assess your risk!
  3. Learn more about the Insulite 5-Element PCOS Solution

About Insulite Health PCOS.com

Insulite Health, is committed to helping women reverse their symptoms of hormone imbalance. Scientific research has revealed that this imbalance can be a primary cause of many devastating health symptoms. Hormone Imbalance can also underlie the increased risk factors for PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a major source of serious diseases as well as cause of excess weight gain, adult acne, unwanted facial hair, depression, anxiety, and heartbreaking female infertility.

©Insulite Health, Inc., pcos.com empowers women with PCOS to transform their lives through a process of healing with the 5-Element PCOS System — the world’s only complete solution for helping women heal from the symptoms of PCOS and hormone imbalance.

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Robin is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She comes to Insulite Health with a passion for helping women live vibrant, passionate lives. Robin had her own struggles with health. As a teenager she suffered from digestive disorders, weight, acne and hypoglycemia. As an adult she continued to struggle with balancing blood sugar, adult acne, mood swings, weight gain, arthritic conditions in her hands and chronic inflammation. Robin understands first hand how symptoms of poor health can keep us from living the life we dreamed of.

Robin Nielsen
24. February 2019
Robin Nielsen
24. February 2019
While we do not believe in a "one size fits all" plan for carbohydrate intake, moderating the type can be just as important. See here for a bit more information: https://pcos.com/be-sure-to-compare-carbs/ If you'd like more specific information for your health concerns please join our Private FB group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/naturalsolutionshormonebalance/

Kell Brigan
22. February 2019
Kell Brigan
22. February 2019
What does "limit" carbs mean? Keto? 100 grams? 200?

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Written by Robin Nielsen
Medical Writer & Editor

Robin is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She comes to Insulite Health with a passion for helping women live vibrant, passionate lives. Robin had her own struggles with health. As a teenager she suffered from digestive disorders, weight, acne and hypoglycemia. As an adult she continued to struggle with balancing blood sugar, adult acne, mood swings, weight gain, arthritic conditions in her hands and chronic inflammation. Robin understands first hand how symptoms of poor health can keep us from living the life we dreamed of.

View all post by Robin Nielsen