** Metformin - When gaining ** NARK?

[baseline_9]

Who has used it?

When did you use is?

Experience?

Results?

Opinions?


I would like to do a bit of digging on metformin... I am considering using it PWO with a carb/protein meal (shake)....

Opinions on using it while gaining weight are what I am after....

This looks to me like a step down from slin and need to know more about it....

[Twist]

I don't think that makes sense as metformin decreases the absorption of nutrients (glucose) and if you want to do that just cut out some carbs.

I too am thinking about insulin but I am a lot of research away from that point. imo metformin does not look like an alternative and the sides can be bad.

[Sgt. Hartman]

I've never read anything saying that Metformin increases the uptake of glucose, it reduces hyperglycemia by reducing glucose production by the liver. Don't really see how that would aid in gaining.

Gastrointestinal upset and impaired CV function are common sides.

[baseline_9]

Well i don't know much about it at all....

All I have read so far is that people use it while cutting, but if it works the way I think it works it would be good PWO...


"This drug heightens the body's sensitivity to insulin, and is currently used to treat type 2 diabetes. For fat loss purposes Metformin is used in ketogenic diets to rapidly drop blood sugar to quickly induce ketosis. For a mixed ratio diet, Metformin would be used with carb meals insuring that the carbohydrates go to muscle tissue over fat, this is a great addition to a high sugar post workout meal."

[Sgt. Hartman]

You're right about it increasing insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake although its primary action is to decrease glucose production by the liver. Now I'm also interested to hear from someone experienced with it......



In addition to suppressing hepatic glucose production, metformin increases insulin sensitivity, enhances peripheral glucose uptake (by phosphorylating GLUT-4 enhancer factor), increases fatty acid oxidation,[88] and decreases absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract. Increased peripheral utilization of glucose may be due to improved insulin binding to insulin receptors.[89] AMPK probably also plays a role, as metformin administration increases AMPK activity in skeletal muscle.[90] AMPK is known to cause GLUT4 deployment to the plasma membrane, resulting in insulin-independent glucose uptake. Some metabolic actions of metformin do appear to occur by AMPK-independent mechanisms; a 2008 study found "the metabolic actions of metformin in the heart muscle can occur independent of changes in AMPK activity and may be mediated by p38 MAPK- and PKC-dependent mechanisms."[91]

[D7M]

Well i don't know much about it at all....

All I have read so far is that people use it while cutting, but if it works the way I think it works it would be good PWO...


"This drug heightens the body's sensitivity to insulin, and is currently used to treat type 2 diabetes. For fat loss purposes Metformin is used in ketogenic diets to rapidly drop blood sugar to quickly induce ketosis. For a mixed ratio diet, Metformin would be used with carb meals insuring that the carbohydrates go to muscle tissue over fat, this is a great addition to a high sugar post workout meal."

^That's the only time I've used metaformin.

If you want to take the slin plunge then just do it. You'd have to be an absolute moron to fvck up humalin R.

[SlimmerMe]

Started taking it a few months ago. And I swear I feel better with my sugar levels not hyping me out.

[gbrice75]

Basically a glucose disposal agent?

[D7M]

^yah

[marcus300]

Before you start going down the slin route I feel there are far better option available especially someone at your stage rather than contemplating using something what can be very dangerous. I understand your frustrations and goals but I really think this route should be taken further down the line than where you are at the moment, have a good think before you take the slin step.

[baseline_9]

Basically a glucose disposal agent?

Before you start going down the slin route I feel there are far better option available especially someone at your stage rather than contemplating using something what can be very dangerous. I understand your frustrations and goals but I really think this route should be taken further down the line than where you are at the moment, have a good think before you take the slin step.

Slin is defo not something I am going to be using now....

I am still experimenting with AAS and getting great results so dont worry about that. Slin is a big step for anyone IMO and one should probably experiment with AAS (dosages etc...) for years before taking the slin plunge...


The metformin does interest me, as does everything, but It is something that is not often talked about especially while gaining and as a PWO drug to help shuttle glucose to Muscle....


Have you ever used Metformin Marcus?

[jimmyinkedup]

Much like D7 the time ive found it most effective is during carb load on a keto to help induce ketosis more quickly. It also has some sides that can be pretty detrimental for our pruposes - i usually felt like shit when taking it. It induces lethargy and give me stomach problems big time. Much like any gda - it can hurt you as much as help you depending. Remeber gdas are NOT tissue specific so you can gain fat as easliy and in some cases easier than building muscle. Overall im not a fan., Dan Dunchaine raved about glucophage for a long time then he later changed his ideas on it completely and thought it was a lousy product for bodybuilding purposes. At best it can be a very small aid in certain situations ..but overall i dont think its the answer or solution that will provide any major difference.

[marcus300]

Slin is defo not something I am going to be using now....

I am still experimenting with AAS and getting great results so dont worry about that. Slin is a big step for anyone IMO and one should probably experiment with AAS (dosages etc...) for years before taking the slin plunge...


The metformin does interest me, as does everything, but It is something that is not often talked about especially while gaining and as a PWO drug to help shuttle glucose to Muscle....


Have you ever used Metformin Marcus?

Good, I know your an information junkie to much at time

No ive never used metformin.

[Twist]

It will not help you gain weight or absorb glucose. It is completely different than insulin.

[baseline_9]

Good, I know your an information junkie to much at time

No ive never used metformin.

I know marcus

I know

LOL


Thanks JIKD and Twist

Twist, have you been doing some reading, care to copy and paste in in here m8

[Twist]

I know marcus

I know

LOL


Thanks JIKD and Twist

Twist, have you been doing some reading, care to copy and paste in in here m8

Reading about what? Metformin? I looked into it but I saw its not what I thought. I originally thought it was like a step down from slin but after researching it a little I realized its not and would be counterproductive.

[GirlyGymRat]

Metformin is prescribed to those with elevated blood sugar levels and also to folks as weight loss aid.

[charcold]

Its been pretty well covered, it mainly lowers the livers glucose production, which in late year diabetics, can be a bigger problem that absorbed carbs. It is the goto drug for diabetics as a first line. And most people lose a few lbs when they start it, due to lower basal sugar levels around the clock. I dont see how it would help you at all. Metfromin is a far cry from slin, at least in a type 2.

[Narkissos]

Basically a glucose disposal agent?

Yep.

I have used it a number of times in the past for this purpose... along with insulin sensitizing agents and other GDAs.

[baseline_9]

How does it dispose of glucose tho nark?

Does it work anything like slin, driving carbs into stores

Surely it cannot just get rid of carbs

[Narkissos]

I don't think 'drives' is the right term for this context to be honest. Numerous sites claim this huge increase in fullness as a result o using it in the post-prandial capacity...but I've never experienced that. Then again, I don't stuff myself with food like so many others do, so my experiences may not be valid (as the context of my use differs).

I'm using metformin right now. Started up again last week. Will let you know how it goes.

[baseline_9]

What are your current goals then Nark...

[Narkissos]

^^Just doing some body recomposition before my next lean bulk.

[acidking]

Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I've been reading about Metformin for the last couple of days, the data has mixed opinions. The most significant data of Metformin I found as far as body building is concerned is not suger levels, but concerning activation of AMPK. Metformin activates AMPK, what does that mean for us?

At the wikipedia article on AMPK under 'Functions' are some interesting data. It says upon activation, AMPK increases cellular energy by suppressing energy consuming anabolic pathways, and simulating energy producing catabolic pathways. Muscle contraction is the main method for activation of AMPK.

So for bodybuilding, this is counterproductive.

It's known that intense workout bring the body to a catabolic state, it's because muscle contraction is the main way AMPK is activated in the body. So if Metformin is activating AMPK all day long then it's suppressing anabolism and increasing catabolism. Which is why steroids are used to minimise this catabolism.

As you see, the reports give mixed reviews, in mice, the article says they gained weight and ate more, in human it seems to be the opposite.

In conclusion, if you want to build muscle, you certainly wouldn't want AMPK activated all day long. If there's an AMPK-suppressor I would be more interested to hear about it.

However, Metformin is said to have other benefits, such as guarding against tumors and cancers, and is said to contribute to longevity.