March 24, 2002
Pills for Diabetes
Question from Austin, Texas, USA:
My 14 year old daughter does not have diabetes but has been diagnosed with insulin resistance and has been told that if she does not lose weight to control her insulin she will indeed have type 2 diabetes. She also has hidradenitis suppurativa, for which her doctors do not know the cause and have not linked the insulin resistance to it. in any way. Has Glucophage been approved for use in teenagers who are insulin resistant?
Answer:
Glucophage [metformin] isn’t approved yet under these circumstances, but there are many diabetologists who are recommending it even without formal approval. There are several research studies underway to study this problem.
It is very important for you to work with your doctors, nurses and dietitians as well as exercise specialists to increase daily activity and cut back daily caloric intake since this is the best way to combat such early insulin resistance. Even a small weight loss or just not gaining as much would be helpful.
SB
