Can patients with type 1 diabetes take metformin?

Type 1 diabetes patients can take metformin under medical guidance, but its therapeutic effect may not be as significant as in type 2 diabetes. As a commonly used medication for diabetes, metformin primarily works by improving insulin sensitivity, inhibiting glycogen breakdown, and reducing hepatic glucose output, making it especially effective for patients with type 2 diabetes. The main pathological characteristic of type 1 diabetes is absolute insulin deficiency; therefore, the core of treatment lies in insulin supplementation. Although metformin can assist in controlling blood glucose, it is not the primary treatment method. Additionally, type 1 diabetes patients should closely monitor blood glucose levels when taking metformin to avoid adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia.