Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of DiabetesTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Cape Town, ZA

My feritin levels go as low as 10,7 - and my GP hasn't suggested it could be because of the glucophage

October 5
 · 
Reactions
A DiabetesTeam Member

I also had low ferritin levels. I was put on iron. I'm not on Metformin though.

October 6
A DiabetesTeam Member

Just take an iron supplement if necessary!

October 6
A DiabetesTeam Member

There was a couple articles published last year talking about a link between Metformin and Low Iron Levels (it also reduces copper levels)

So does it's thing for blood sugar from the liver, is an anti-inflammatory which is another posistive for diabetics, but it does reduce our iron, copper, and B12 levels which require monitoring as part of your normal blood tests (they use the same blood for the A1C test so the Doc just has to request the tests to check)

October 6
DiabetesTeam

That's a really important question, and it's great that you're paying attention to your lab results! A ferritin level of 10.7 is indeed quite low (normal range is generally 12–300 ng/mL for women and 12–500 ng/mL for men).

There is a known link worth discussing with your doctor. Long-term use of Glucophage (metformin) can Show Full Answer

That's a really important question, and it's great that you're paying attention to your lab results! A ferritin level of 10.7 is indeed quite low (normal range is generally 12–300 ng/mL for women and 12–500 ng/mL for men).

There is a known link worth discussing with your doctor. Long-term use of Glucophage (metformin) can reduce the absorption of certain nutrients, most notably Vitamin B12. Some research also suggests it may affect iron metabolism, which could potentially impact ferritin levels.

It would be worth asking your GP specifically about:

- Whether Glucophage could be contributing to your low ferritin
- Testing your Vitamin B12 levels, as deficiency is a well-documented side effect of long-term metformin use
- Whether iron supplementation might be appropriate for you
- Ruling out other causes of low ferritin

Low ferritin can cause symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and brain fog β€” all things that can already overlap with diabetes management challenges, so it's important to get to the bottom of it.

Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself with your GP and ask directly whether your medication could be playing a role. A referral to an endocrinologist or specialist may also be helpful if your GP isn't exploring this further.

October 5

Related Questions

View All
A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Castlebar, IE

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Cape Town, ZA