Type 2 Diabetes with gMG

By mikewright1

1 min read

I was diagnosed with gMG back in January of 2019. At that time it only affected my eyes. It went into submission and I never really took any of the medications.

My symptoms

In June of 2021 I was overwhelmed with the symptoms of the general MG. My jaw hurt when I chewed, my neck would not support itself on my shoulders, my arms could not lift things into the microwave and I was very tired.

An unforeseen side effect

After a month on the medication, I am finally getting back to normal. However, I am a type 2 diabetic and was prescribed prednisone as one of my prescriptions. The prednisone is spiking my blood sugar. I used to have an A1c of 6.6 to 7.0. Now it is 9.1.

In need of suggestions

My doctor has told me to just double up on the metformin (I was taking 500 mg twice a day). This does not seem to be helping my blood sugar. My fasting blood sugar is still in the 180s and I am exercising and watching my carbs. Any suggestions?

Share my own story

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Maria S Member
Hi! I have had MG for seven and a half years and have been on prednisone all that time, as well as numerous other agents. I have been struggling with issues of blood sugar, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome etc. Anyone have experience with Metformin? Is it beneficial in MG? Is it effective? Any down sides?
1. Jodi Enders Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Maria S" user-id="6742589"/> Hey Maria! I did some searching on metformin and MG. I was expected to see it possibly advised against due to the risk of adverse reactions. However, I am actually finding many studies that support metformin may aid in treating MG as well as your diabetes related issues! Here are some studies: https://www.rarediseaseadvisor.com/news/mg-news-briefs/metformin-may-regulate-autoimmine-activity-mg/#:~:text=Metformin%20may%20reverse%20some%20of,previously%20linked%20with%20autoimmune%20disorders., <a href='https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31437793/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31437793/</a>, <a href='https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/mestinon-timespan-with-metformin-1971-3690-1573-0.html' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/mestinon-timespan-with-metformin-1971-3690-1573-0.html</a>, <a href='https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567576919312846' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567576919312846</a>, - Jodi, Team Member
Maria S Member
Hi! I'm struggling with my blood sugars, insulin resistance metabolic syndrome etc. Have been on prednisone for a long time. I also have refractory gMG. Does anybody have experience with using Metformin? I would like to try it
Jodi Enders Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="mikewright1" user-id="4186481"/> Hi! How have you been doing recently? How have your blood sugar levels been? - Jodi, Team Member
Emorrison75 Member
I would recommend talking with your diabetes doctor. I have this exact same issue and take januvia and metformin to keep my sugars down with the steroids. An A1C of 9.0 is dangerous and can cause many other long term problems.
Jodi Enders Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="mikewright1" user-id="4186481"/> Thank you so much for sharing your journey thus far with Myasthenia gravis! Your story is a crucial illustration that MG is unique for everyone. Symptoms can come and go. It is essential to discuss and wean off medications to keep MG in submission and avoid dangerous reactions to a rapid halt. I am thrilled to hear you are beginning to feel well again despite your spike in blood pressure. I would continue to stay in constant, if not daily, contact with your doctor about updates on your blood sugar numbers. I would also consider a second opinion if this is feasible as it seems the suggestion from your current professional did not help noticeably - Jodi, <a href='http://Myasthenia-Gravis.Com' target='_blank'>Myasthenia-Gravis.Com</a> Team Member
Janice Koehn Moderator & Contributor
mikewright1 Though I am not diabetic, I do understand your issues with the elevated A1C. My neurologist talked with me about the side effects of Prednisone and she said it could cause an elevation in blood sugar and can make someone that is predisposed to Type2 diabetes more susceptible to it. That and increased susceptibility of heart disease with Prednisone are why she weaned me off of Prednisone. If you continue having blood sugar issues, I'd discuss other options with your physician, but please do not stop any medication on your own. Take care! - Janice (Myasthenia-Gravis.com Team)
1. Jodi Enders Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Janice Koehn" user-id="4153223"/> Thank you, Janice, for the comments about your doctor, completely in support that prednisone is not a healthy long-term option. I also appreciate you helping support others and reminding them that it can be dangerous to stop medications without discussing them with one's MG doctor. This may seem obvious to some, but even from personal experience, sometimes side effects can be so frustrating that we make impulsive decisions to stop ourselves. - Jodi, <a href='http://Myasthenia-Gravis.Com' target='_blank'>Myasthenia-Gravis.Com</a> Team Member