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Post by spiro on Feb 9, 2014 13:50:03 GMT -5
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Post by jpg on Feb 9, 2014 18:50:12 GMT -5
Hi Spiro, I am not aware of any large scale chort studies that associate Metformin to Alzheimer's but not saying there isn't something there. The fact there has not been a link made between Metformin and Alzheimer's mens it hasn't been looked for (unlikely because of the way meta data is used to establish correlations) or Metformin isn't a powerful inducer or accelerator of Alzheimer's which would be bad for the hypothesis of the Sripps guys... We do know there is a powerful correlation between higher HbA1c, poorly controlled diabetics and dementia at large. Could this 'hide' the role Metformin plays in the process? Maybe? Your comment raises the question of what to give diabetics. Metformin was approved a very long time ago and has withstood the test of time I guess. I and many other who prescribe these drugs have very little faith in the newer oral agents. Various guidelines go very quickly to insulin and it will be interesting to see how quickly the paradigm will switch toward introducing mealtime inhaled insulin as a second line agent after Metformin. If this Scripp Metformin Alzheimer's link ever becomes more convincing epidemiologically it would usher in major paradigm shifts in the management of diabetics and be obviously extremely positive for Afrezza. |
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Post by spiro on Feb 9, 2014 19:48:57 GMT -5
Jpg, thanks for your point of view. I believe the diabetic patient should be informed of this Scripps research which indicates that metformin may trigger increased enzyme levels of AMPK, which is linked to causing Alzheimer's disease. If a doctor told me this, I would tell him to forget the metformin, I would rather die from diabetes than Alzheimer's disease. I think it might also help most of your patients get serious with their nutrition and exercise. One thing is certain, after the FDA approves Afrezza, this message about metformin and AMPK will find it's way to both patients and diabetes care professionals. IMO, until more is known about this link between metformin and alzheimer's, it not worth the risk, to take metformin. This is just another of the numerous reasons why Afrezza will become a mega blockbuster drug in a few years.
Spiro, over optimistic as usual
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