The FDA is investigating whether popular diabetes drug Metformin contains cancer-causing chemicals
The FDA recently announced that it is investigating whether metformin may contain N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) - a contaminant known to be carcinogenic.
NDMA is a yellow odorless liquid which was once used to produce rocket fuel, but after high quantities of it were found in the environment surrounding manufacturing plants, the use of NDMA stopped.
Sometime it is produced unintentionally as a by-product to other chemical production, which may be the case with metformin.
While at small doses NDMA is thought to be relatively harmless, higher quantities can cause: jaundice, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, dizziness, and increased risk of cancer and liver toxicity.
For now the FDA is still investigating and has suggested patients who are on metformin to continue using it until their investigation is complete.
Unfortunately cases like this are all too common.
Earlier this year the FDA suggested that drug manufacturers do a recall on blood pressure medications for a similar reason.
So if you are on medications for diabetes related health conditions, you're putting your health in the hands of big pharmaceutical companies who don't have the cleanest record when it comes to putting people before profits.
We don't recommend anyone to just go off their medications as the consequences of that can be severe, but we do recommend that you have an honest and open discussion with your doctor and discuss some possible lifestyle changes that may help you to naturally lower blood sugar and get off medications.
A low carb diet is a great place to start. And if you aren't sure about how to get going, our low carb meal replacement shakes can be a nice way to get going because they are super simple and easy to take with you wherever you go.