Metformin is a medication used to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is usually taken with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications. Metformin works by helping to restore the bodys proper response to the insulin it naturally produces. It also decreases the amount of sugar that the liver makes and that the stomach/intestines absorb. Proper control of diabetes may help prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. It may also lessen the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Metformin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes, a condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood. It is also sometimes used to manage symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects how the ovaries work. Metformin treats PCOS by lowering insulin and blood sugar levels, which can also improve ovulation and encourage regular periods, even if the patient does not have diabetes.
Metformin is available in different forms, including tablets, liquid, and sachets of powder that dissolve in a drink. It is important to follow the special meal plan given by the doctor while taking metformin. The most common side effects of metformin are feeling and being sick, diarrhea, stomach ache, and loss of appetite. Vitamin B12 deficiency is also a common side effect of taking metformin in higher doses or for long periods.
Metformin is a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, according to current diabetes guidelines. It is relatively inexpensive and its potential side effects are well understood. In addition to controlling blood sugar levels, metformin may offer cardiovascular benefits, including lower rates of death due to cardiovascular disease, and may help people with diabetes lose excess weight. It may also have health benefits for people who dont have diabetes, such as delaying the onset of diabetes or even preventing it among people with prediabetes. However, more research is needed before endorsing its widespread use for people without diabetes.
