Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/MpvcfzFj7j8   Metformin, an oral drug for type 2 diabetes, enhances the therapeutic benefits of steroids while reducing their side effects.  A randomized, double blind British study just published in The Lancet looked at 53 participants taking 10-20 mg of prednisone over a 4 month period.   Those also receiving an escalating dose of metformin up to 850 mg 3 times a day, enjoyed improved anti-inflammatory steroid effects and reduced  metabolic side effects as well as fewer bouts of infection and a lower rate of hospitalization for complications.   Chronic steroid therapy is a godsend for those with arthritis, asthma, and cancer.  Adding metformin may just make it more effective and tolerable.    The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2020). DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(20)30021-8 , http://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(20)30021-8/fulltext   #steroids #metformin #arthritis #copd #asthma