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Josh Mitteldorf on monitoring blood glucose while taking metformin and berberine

Eating habits and exercise alter blood glucose levels - wearables may help get a rough idea

31-Aug-2020

Key points from article :

Metformin is a well-studied drug for hyperglycaemia & a credible longevity drug - lowers risk of cancer, heart disease and dementia.

But metformin can interfere with exercise metabolism - Berberine and Gynostemma are botanical alternatives.

Best indicator of metabolic health is blood glucose levels 2 hours after a meal.

People who are active & not overweight shouldn't worry about statistics in the “prediabetic” range.

Josh Mitteldorf used a wearable continuous blood glucose monitor - Freestyle Libre.

Glucose rose after a meal and to a lesser extent, when he exercised.

Taking metformin with a meal reduced the glucose spike after the meal.

Berberine did not have this immediate effect.

Downward trend over 10 days was due to gradual loosening of the monitor.

Noticed a natural variability of blood sugar uncorrelated with either food or exercise.

Plans to drop Metformin and take low doses of berberine and Gynostemma with a light evening meal and regular walks.

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Josh Mitteldorf

Evolutionary biologist and author of the Playing the Game for a Longer Life blog

Topics mentioned on this page:
Quantified Self, Metformin