As the pandemic continues to rage throughout the United States and some parts of the world, I hope you all are doing your best to follow the CDC guidelines for protecting yourself and others from COVIO-19 , and generally keeping well. As you know, people with type 2 diabetes are more prone to contract the virus and can even die as a result. Therefore, you need to be extra careful.
This week, I came across some heartening news for diabetics who use metformin, but unfortunately, this news applies only to women. According to Medical Dialogues, Metformin, a popular diabetes drug, may lower the risk of women with type 2 diabetes dying from COVID-19. The report states that in a study of 6200 women hospitalized with COVID-19 there were fewer deaths among women taking metformin than those who were not. However, the link was not seen in men.
The study also found that metformin reduced CRP (the inflammation marker C-reactive protein) twice as much in women as men. In addition, metformin decreases levels of TNF-alpha, an inflammation protein that appears to make COVID-19 worse. But again, it does this to a greater extent in women than in men.
Even though the study shows the benefit for females only, I would urge men to take your metformin -as well as your other medications- as prescribed by your doctor. New studies are being done all the time. You never know when some other major benefits will be found. During this time of COVID-19 you cannot afford to slip up on your medication. People with type 2 diabetes are at serious risk of catching the virus. If you can’t get to the pharmacy, you can always request they mail your meds to you, or you can use curbside pick-up to avoid going into the store.
Please take care of yourself, and as always, I invite you to reach out to me with any questions you may have. Stay safe! God bless you.
