How can I improve my insulin sensitivity?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been type 1 diabetic for the last 32 years. Currently, I am on an insulin pump, but due to less insulin sensitivity, can I take a Metformin 500 mg tablet twice a day so that my insulin sensitivity gets resolved with proper diet?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Though there is no direct benefit of Metformin in type 1 diabetes, Metformin (an anti-diabetic drug) can still help in reducing insulin resistance, and this may help in reducing the dose requirement in type 1 diabetes. However, the extent of benefit depends on the level of Insulin resistance. Though there is no single test to check for Insulin resistance, you can still get the following tests, which give a rough idea of the level of Insulin resistance:

1. Fasting Insulin levels.

2. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and triglycerides.

3. Ultrasonography of an abdominal scan to check for Fatty liver.

4. Look for blackish or brownish discoloration of skin over the axilla, groin, or nape of the neck.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.