Sep 12·edited Sep 12Liked by William H Bestermann Jr MD
Dr. W is an excellent and heartfelt writer. He brings up on a point that I have wondered about: Why don't the ihealthcare nsurance companies negotiate prices for medications? I do not like the government interceding in anything because things like the bridge to nowhere, a grossly expensive and unfinished because of cost for a bullet train in California, only 8 EV charging stations after billions were spent--all by governments. The easily visible and underlying socialisT tendency of Dr. W is apparent. But his concept is correct that there should be negotiation over prices such that Americans pay the same as those in foreign countries such as Denmark, Germany, and the UK
It has been illegal since 2003 for our government to negotiate drug prices. Our government through the military, Medicare, Medicaid etc provides many with healthcare. I think it is about half of the country. That is the care that exposes all taxpayers to predatory pricing. The government has more leverage than any other western government to bring these prices down. Most agree that insurance companies make more when care costs more. It is crazy that we pay ten times the price for a drug that is made in another country.
Dr. Bestermann, I have been reading about the longevity effects of metformin. A study in Cell showed really positive results in monkeys. Are there any negative side effects of taking this drug?
There are potential adverse effects of any drug that provides benefit. The key is the risk/benefit ratio and metformin has one of the best risk benefit ratios in medicine. It can cause diarrhea if you don't follow the appropriate starting precautions. It can accumulate if your kidney function is low because it leaves the body in the urine. It can cause a lower vitamin B12 level. I take 1250 mg of metformin a day and take vitamin B complex. I have never seen a person hospitalized because of a metformin side effect. I have never seen anyone with permanent harm from taking metformin. It is very safe.
According to the study, it reduced inflammation which is one of the primary cellular mechanisms detailed by Dr. Robert Lustig that cause chronic disease. The glucose lowering impact of metformin may also have been the reason. More reason why everyone should lower their blood glucose by increasing their "insulin sensitivity" through "real food" and exercise.
Thank you for your response. I read there are ongoing trials to study the impact of metformin on longevity, even in healthy cohorts without T2D. Are you aware of the status of this trial?
Absolutely spot on!! I wish the government and associated health agencies educate people on the harms of ultra- processed foods and the benefits of consuming real food. This will reduce the incidence of metabolic dysfunction in our communities. Instead the solution is always to prescribe more drugs to treat symptoms while the underlying sub cellular dysfunctions are left untreated!
Please keep emphasizing that type 2 diabetes patients do not die of high sugar that they die of heart disease, kidney disease, strokes and the like. Some of us hear you. We need to hear this at every doctor’s visit. Thank you!
Thanks Melissa. You are absolutely correct. Controlling the blood pressure, taking a statin, not smoking, and taking an asprin if you have vascular disease are all equally critical. Very few patients are getting this kind of care.
I’d be very curious to know what is meant by “usual care” in the study mentioned. I assume it’s not Ozempic or Wegovy as those haven’t been around that long.
I’d also suggest major lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, should be a part of OMT.
That aside, I totally agree, prescription drug marketing direct to consumer is a bad thing
Usual care is the care that most people receive. It is the care that most people receive. OMT is an evidence-based system of care consistent with best practices. Major lifestyle changes are the base of OMT
Dr. W is an excellent and heartfelt writer. He brings up on a point that I have wondered about: Why don't the ihealthcare nsurance companies negotiate prices for medications? I do not like the government interceding in anything because things like the bridge to nowhere, a grossly expensive and unfinished because of cost for a bullet train in California, only 8 EV charging stations after billions were spent--all by governments. The easily visible and underlying socialisT tendency of Dr. W is apparent. But his concept is correct that there should be negotiation over prices such that Americans pay the same as those in foreign countries such as Denmark, Germany, and the UK
It has been illegal since 2003 for our government to negotiate drug prices. Our government through the military, Medicare, Medicaid etc provides many with healthcare. I think it is about half of the country. That is the care that exposes all taxpayers to predatory pricing. The government has more leverage than any other western government to bring these prices down. Most agree that insurance companies make more when care costs more. It is crazy that we pay ten times the price for a drug that is made in another country.
Dr. Bestermann, I have been reading about the longevity effects of metformin. A study in Cell showed really positive results in monkeys. Are there any negative side effects of taking this drug?
There are potential adverse effects of any drug that provides benefit. The key is the risk/benefit ratio and metformin has one of the best risk benefit ratios in medicine. It can cause diarrhea if you don't follow the appropriate starting precautions. It can accumulate if your kidney function is low because it leaves the body in the urine. It can cause a lower vitamin B12 level. I take 1250 mg of metformin a day and take vitamin B complex. I have never seen a person hospitalized because of a metformin side effect. I have never seen anyone with permanent harm from taking metformin. It is very safe.
According to the study, it reduced inflammation which is one of the primary cellular mechanisms detailed by Dr. Robert Lustig that cause chronic disease. The glucose lowering impact of metformin may also have been the reason. More reason why everyone should lower their blood glucose by increasing their "insulin sensitivity" through "real food" and exercise.
Metformin directly inhibits mTOR and activates AMPK. That is the core mechanism of action
Thank you for your response. I read there are ongoing trials to study the impact of metformin on longevity, even in healthy cohorts without T2D. Are you aware of the status of this trial?
Thank you for all this information. Will share so that people are informed. Sadly too often hype and false promises are sold to unsuspecting people
I appreciate your spreading the word so much
Absolutely spot on!! I wish the government and associated health agencies educate people on the harms of ultra- processed foods and the benefits of consuming real food. This will reduce the incidence of metabolic dysfunction in our communities. Instead the solution is always to prescribe more drugs to treat symptoms while the underlying sub cellular dysfunctions are left untreated!
Type 2 diabetes is a processed and fast food disease--pure and simple
Please keep emphasizing that type 2 diabetes patients do not die of high sugar that they die of heart disease, kidney disease, strokes and the like. Some of us hear you. We need to hear this at every doctor’s visit. Thank you!
Thanks Melissa. You are absolutely correct. Controlling the blood pressure, taking a statin, not smoking, and taking an asprin if you have vascular disease are all equally critical. Very few patients are getting this kind of care.
I’d be very curious to know what is meant by “usual care” in the study mentioned. I assume it’s not Ozempic or Wegovy as those haven’t been around that long.
I’d also suggest major lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, should be a part of OMT.
That aside, I totally agree, prescription drug marketing direct to consumer is a bad thing
Usual care is the care that most people receive. It is the care that most people receive. OMT is an evidence-based system of care consistent with best practices. Major lifestyle changes are the base of OMT
It is called the TAME trial and I don't think they are enrolling patients yet