A personal note from Vladimir Fanshil & Eleanor Lyons
Live at Yours began in the most unexpected way — in our own living room. In 2020, when the world fell silent, we refused to believe that music should exist only on screens. So we gathered a handful of people, pulled the chairs close, and performed for twenty guests at a time. Those evenings were small, fragile, unforgettable — and they reminded us why we became musicians: to share something real, something human, something that only exists when people come together.
A New Way to Experience Music
In the first years, we travelled across NSW and the ACT, giving more than 50 performances in lounge rooms, coffee roasteries, tin sheds in the outback, art galleries, churches, synagogues and regional theatres.
It was in those intimate settings that we connected deeply with locals, listened to their feedback, and discovered what Australians truly value in live music: informal yet refined, relaxed yet deeply sincere, intimate yet world-class.
Those conversations shaped everything — from our welcoming tone to having no intervals, allowing the emotional arc to flow without interruption. This is how we crafted the ultimate listening experience we offer today: personal, natural and genuinely shared.
From a lounge room to a national stage
Live at Yours has now grown far beyond our living room — into concert spaces across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Orange, Castlemaine and beyond — yet the essence remains unchanged.
Every venue is chosen for its story and atmosphere. Every performance is lit and shaped to feel close, warm and immersive. And every artist who joins us shares our belief in vulnerability, honesty and connection.
World-class artists, up close
Extraordinary artists, shared in intimate spaces — where every detail comes alive.
Richard Tognetti
Yamen Saadi
Alexander Gavrylyuk
Emily Sun
Elena Kats-Chernin
Andrew Haveron
Kristian Winther
Rosanna Rolton
Vatche Jambazian
Elina Faskhi
Stefanie Farrands
Simon Tedeschi
Committed to the next generation
As Live at Yours grows, so does our responsibility to young musicians. Through masterclasses, mentoring, and partnerships with ANAM and the Sydney Conservatorium, we help the next generation experience the same intimacy and inspiration that shaped our early years.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
We can’t wait to welcome you — up close, and personal.
Metformin: An Australian Doctor’s Guide to Reclaiming Your Energy, Metabolism and Long-Term Health After 30
ATTENTION
If you’re over 30, you may know the feeling: stubborn belly fat that won’t shift, afternoon energy crashes, constant sugar cravings, brain fog, or a GP who has warned you about “borderline” blood sugar. Maybe you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gout, fatty liver, or a family history of type 2 diabetes. In my Australian general practice, I see this every single day. The hidden driver is often insulin resistance — a condition where your body stops responding properly to insulin, causing your pancreas to pump out more and more. This drives weight gain, fatigue, inflammation, and eventually type 2 diabetes. The good news? One of the most effective, safest, best-studied and most affordable medicines we have is metformin.
INTEREST: What Exactly Is Metformin?
Metformin is not a new fad. It has been used for over 60 years and is the first-line medicine for type 2 diabetes worldwide. In Australia, it is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), meaning most patients pay only a small co-payment. But metformin does much more than lower blood sugar. It improves how your body uses insulin, reduces liver glucose production, and lowers inflammation. It is also used for prediabetes, PCOS, and metabolic syndrome. Many doctors now consider it a cornerstone of healthy ageing and metabolic protection.
Metformin at a Glance for Over-30 Australians
| Feature |
What This Means for You |
| Blood sugar control |
Lowers HbA1c and fasting glucose |
| Insulin resistance |
Improves insulin sensitivity in liver and muscle |
| Weight |
May help modest weight loss, especially with diet |
| PCOS |
Improves ovulation and hormonal balance |
| Heart and liver |
Reduces cardiovascular risk and liver fat |
| Cost in Australia |
PBS-subsidised; one of the cheapest diabetes medicines |
| Safety |
Over 60 years of clinical use; side effects usually mild |
DESIRE: How Metformin Can Help With Your Most Pressing Health Worries
How does metformin help with insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance means your cells no longer listen to insulin’s signal to take up glucose. Your body compensates by producing more insulin, which encourages fat storage — especially around the abdomen — and triggers fatigue, sugar cravings, and inflammation. Metformin works in three main ways: it reduces glucose production in the liver, increases insulin sensitivity in muscle and liver cells, and improves the gut’s release of hormones that control appetite. The result? Lower insulin levels, fewer cravings, more stable energy, and easier weight management. For many patients, this is the turning point that prevents full-blown diabetes.
What to do if you miss metformin for several days?
Life happens — travel, illness, forgetting scripts. If you miss one dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is due soon; never double up. If you have missed several days, do not suddenly restart a high dose. Restart with your usual dose if you are otherwise well and eating normally. Monitor your blood glucose more frequently for a few days. If you missed doses because of vomiting, diarrhoea, surgery, or a contrast scan, contact your GP first — your kidney function may need checking. If side effects caused you to stop, ask about extended-release metformin or a lower starting dose.
Missed Metformin: Quick Action Guide for Patients
| Situation |
Recommended Action |
| Missed one dose |
Take as soon as possible; skip if next dose due soon; never double dose |
| Missed several days, feeling well |
Restart usual dose; monitor blood glucose; book GP review if unsure |
| Missed due to vomiting/diarrhoea |
Do not restart until reviewed by GP; kidney function may be affected |
| Missed before surgery or contrast scan |
Hold as advised; restart only after GP confirms safe kidney function |
| Missed due to side effects |
Ask GP about extended-release or lower-dose titration |
Metformin and depression: any effect?
Many patients over 30 with insulin resistance also describe low mood, lack of motivation, and brain fog. High circulating insulin is linked to increased inflammation, which can affect brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Metformin is not an antidepressant, and it will not replace psychological therapy or antidepressant medication. However, by stabilising blood sugar and lowering insulin, many patients report improved energy, clearer thinking, and a brighter mood. Some observational studies suggest metformin users have lower rates of depression. If you are feeling low, please still speak to your GP about a mental health care plan — but improving your metabolic health with metformin may be a valuable part of the picture.
Metformin and lactation: risk assessment?
For breastfeeding mothers, the news is reassuring. Metformin passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and studies have not shown adverse effects on infant growth or development. It is often continued in mothers with PCOS or type 2 diabetes. The Australian regulatory framework lists metformin as a prescription-only medicine, but its use during lactation is generally considered low-risk when clinically indicated. As always, this is an individual decision made with your GP or obstetrician — but if you need metformin for your own metabolic health, breastfeeding is not usually a reason to stop.
Is there a link between metformin and dementia?
Fear of memory loss is one of the biggest health worries for Australians over 50. Here is what we know: long-term metformin use is associated with a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline in people with diabetes. This is likely because metformin improves insulin signalling in the brain and reduces inflammation. One important caveat: metformin can lower vitamin B12 levels over time, and B12 deficiency can cause nerve problems and memory issues. That is why I check B12 annually in my patients taking metformin and prescribe supplements if needed. Overall, metformin appears to be brain-protective, not harmful.
Can metformin be obtained without a prescription from a compounding pharmacy?
No. In Australia, metformin is a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine. Compounding pharmacies still require a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. If you see online sellers or overseas websites offering metformin without a script, avoid them — you risk counterfeit, contaminated, or incorrect dosing. The good news is that getting a script in Australia is straightforward. A GP can assess your metabolic health, prescribe metformin, and you can fill it at any pharmacy with PBS subsidy. Do not gamble with your health by bypassing the proper pathway.
Metformin and gout: interaction?
Gout and insulin resistance often go hand in hand. High insulin levels reduce the kidneys’ ability to excrete uric acid, leading to painful flare-ups. Metformin may modestly lower uric acid by improving insulin sensitivity. It does not have any significant negative interaction with common gout medicines such as allopurinol or febuxostat. In fact, if you have gout plus prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, metformin may help both conditions. One caution: gout and kidney disease frequently coexist, so your GP will monitor your kidney function carefully while you take metformin.
Metformin and hepatitis B/C considerations?
Liver health is a major concern for many patients, especially those with hepatitis B or C. Metformin is generally safe in people with stable hepatitis B or C who do not have advanced cirrhosis. It may even reduce liver fat and inflammation, which is helpful because fatty liver commonly accompanies insulin resistance. However, in advanced or decompensated cirrhosis, metformin should be avoided due to a small risk of lactic acidosis. If you have hepatitis B or C, your GP or liver specialist can order regular liver function tests and decide whether metformin is appropriate for you.
ACTION: Take Control of Your Metabolic Health Today
If you are over 30 and recognise yourself in any of these struggles — weight gain, fatigue, sugar cravings, high blood sugar, PCOS, gout, fatty liver, or a family history of diabetes — metformin could be a powerful tool for you. It is not a magic pill; it works best alongside a healthy diet, regular movement, and good sleep. But it is one of the closest things we have to a metabolic reset button.
Here in Australia, you need a prescription from a GP, but the process is simple and the medicine is PBS-subsidised, making it incredibly affordable. Book an appointment with your doctor and ask for a metabolic check: fasting glucose, HbA1c, insulin levels, liver function, kidney function, and vitamin B12. If metformin is right for you, your GP can start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to minimise side effects.
Do not wait until diabetes is diagnosed. Early treatment of insulin resistance can prevent the damage before it starts. Take the first step today — your future brain, heart, liver, joints, and waistline will thank you.
Disclaimer: This article is general information from a doctor’s perspective and does not replace individual medical advice. Always consult your GP or specialist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
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