Unauthorized, preowned test strips could cause infection, inaccuracy

This week two of our most favored medical professionals chime in on the effects of using medications. Our exercise guru Dr. Sheri Colberg has an interesting feature on how non-diabetes medication can affect exercise and diabetes, and our Medical Editor Joy Pape shares information on the idea of giving Metformin …

We asked the DIC advisory board to comment on the use of metformin in patients who do not have diabetes:
Your patients may have asked about it or, if not yet, they most likely will. What is your comment on whether you recommend metformin for people who do not have diabetes? If you do not, how do you respond to patients who ask about it? If you do, what do you tell your patients? And what do you say to your patients when their other health care providers tell them this is a diabetes drug and they should only be taking it if they have diabetes?
Here's how they responded.

By Sheri R. Colberg, PhD, FACSM
If you take any other medications to help lower your blood cholesterol, manage your blood pressure, or control other health problems, be aware that some of them can potentially impact your ability to be physically active. Although most drugs do not affect exercise, several common nondiabetes medications with such potential effects are statins, beta-blockers, diuretics, vasodilators, and blood thinners.

What are the long-term effects of metformin on diabetes prevention?

Metformin and physical activity best prophylactic interventions for prevention.

Findings remain significant even when accounting for years in practice and type of practice

Mental health issues consistent across BMI groups; social, mechanical issues more common with higher BMI

Dose-response relationship observed in large European cohort

Early identification and management decreases hyperglycemia, hospital-acquired infections