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Wednesday, 29 January 2025

DIABETES NEWS : Metformin and Pregnancy


"There has been a 39% rise in cases of diabetes among the under-40s, with thousands more undiagnosed, according to a report by Diabetes UK.

The report's authors said cases of type 2 diabetes among all under-40s have risen by more than 47,000 since 2016/17, an increase of 39%, compared with a rise of 25% for those over 40.

Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body's cells do not react to insulin properly, and lifestyle factors often contribute to its development, according to the NHS.

Diabetes UK's report suggested poor diets and obesity were largely to blame for the increase in cases, arguing that "drastic changes" over the last 25 years to the food people eat and the environments they live in are taking their toll.

"We are bombarded by adverts for cheaper, unhealthy food," it said.

"The foods on our shelves are increasingly high in fat, salt and sugar, and rising costs are pushing a healthy diet out of reach for millions.

"These conditions, combined with genetic factors and stark inequalities, are driving rising levels of obesity, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes." You can read more about this here

Of course there are many under 40's (with diabetes) who maybe considering starting a family and could be wondering how Metformin, a commonly prescribed drug for Diabetes, may affect those who want to father a baby, and women who would like to be pregnant (or already are).

With regard to this I share below a post seen on Diabetes Diet Blog here

Adapted from BMJ Oct 2024
"Men who want to father a baby can safely take Metformin

Paternal use of Metformin during the period of sperm development is not associated with congenital malformation in the offspring. Thus men who have type two diabetes mellitus, and who are prescribed the drug, can continue using it.

These results were found from a large study conducted in both Norway and Taiwan.

Metformin is used in metabolic syndrome and type two diabetes. In the UK 24 million prescriptions were issued for it. It is also used in diabetic pregnant women. Although it crosses the placenta, it does not cause foetal harm. These studies in both the mothers and fathers should give reassurance to both patients and clinicians, particularly as type two diabetes is occurring at earlier ages in the adult population than previously."

Read the full paper from the BMJ here

image from post here

Related Posts
Why is there a sharp rise in diabetes in under-40s? - read it here
'Not All Kids With Type 2 Diabetes have Obesity: What Parents Need to Know' - read it here
Introduction to low-carb for beginners - read it here
How Low Carb Can Help, plus a favourite recipe - read it here

Please note that articles within this blog are provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider.

All the best Jan

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this information. -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com

peppylady (Dora) said...

Metformin is usually the first medication here in the united states is given for Diabetes.

Dee Kissinger said...

I would love to be able to take Metformin. It certainly would have saved me a lot of money over the years. Sadly, some of the side effects were far too much for me to use it. Blllllllllllahhhh. My husband has taken it for years with good result. Me? Not so much.

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Dee
Yes, although metformin is widely prescribed it does not suit everyone.

That is why it is always important to discuss any health conditions and reaction to medication with your Doctor or health care team.

THERE IS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT METFORMIN
and it can be seen here should any readers like to read it
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/metformin/

All the best Jan

J.P. Alexander said...

Gracias por la informaciĆ³n. Te mando un beso.

Lee said...

Thank you, Jan....take good care. :)

Mari said...

Good information on Metformin. It's used a lot in the states.

eileeninmd said...

Our diet is very important for our good health.
Metformin did not work for my hubby.
Take care, have a wonderful day!

roentare said...

Great information on metformin

Margaret D said...

Interesting, Jan. A good read.

jabblog said...

I heard on the radio that eating healthily is beyond the reach of poorer people. 'Junk' food is cheaper and, of course, it's heavily advertised.

Giorgio said...

Such an interesting report, Jan. I'd never thought that the unhealthy foods on our shelves have been increasing since 2000. This means we are eating more saturated fat, salt and sugar. Thanks for sharing!

We are bombarded by adverts for cheaper, unhealthy food," it said.


"The foods on our shelves are increasingly high in fat, salt and sugar, and rising costs are pushing a healthy diet out of reach for millions.

Tom said...

...you can never be too careful.

Donna said...

Great information...I try to eat healthy to ward off the Big D word...People who have Graves disease tend to also get diabetes...so I'm careful.
hugs
Donna

Lisabella Russo said...

Thank you for the information!

Jeff said...

wow, that a big jump in younger type 2 diabetes. Thanks for. keeping us up to day on information on this illness.

Mary Kirkland said...

Metformin was the first medication they tried for me when I was diagnosed with diabetes. It made me sick so I had to take other things.

Lorrie said...

A healthy diet is so important. I am thankful that we do not have diabetes in our family.

HappyK said...

I know nothing about metformin so was glad to read about it.

Dianna said...

Thank you, Jan, for this information.

Conniecrafter said...

I never thought about how the medicine could effect those wanting to have babies since most Ihave known has gottne it later in life, good that they are doing these trials to find out how it effects people