Metformin

Metformin is the first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it belongs to a class biguanide. It works by decreasing glucose production by the liver and increasing the insulin sensitivity of body tissues.

Metformin was discovered in 1922. French physician Jean Sterne began study in humans in the 1950s. It was introduced as a medication in France in 1957 and the United States in 1995. Metformin is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, which lists the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Metformin is the most widely used medication for diabetes taken by mouth. In 2016, it was the fourth-most prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 81 million prescriptions.

It is also used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. It is not associated with weight gain. It is taken by mouth. Metformin is generally well tolerated.

Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal pain. It has a low risk of causing low blood sugar. High blood lactic acid level is a concern if the medication is prescribed inappropriately or in overly large doses. It should not be used in those with significant liver disease or kidney problems. While no clear harm comes from use during pregnancy, insulin is generally preferred for gestational diabetes.

FAQs

Q. What does Metformin do exactly?

People with type 2 diabetes are not able to make enough insulin or respond normally to the insulin made by their bodies. When this happens, the concentration of sugar/glucose increases in the blood. Metformin acts in several ways to reduce the increased levels of sugar in blood. Metformin decreases the glucose production from the liver, decreases absorption of glucose from the intestine after taking food, and improves the sensitivity of the body organs and muscles to insulin. This helps improve the uptake of glucose from the blood. It helps your body respond better to the insulin it makes naturally.

Q. Does Metformin cause weight loss?

Yes, Metformin has been shown to reduce weight in people who are overweight or obese. In addition, patients who are sensitive or resistant to insulin may also show weight loss. The use of Metformin may cause modest weight loss in overweight and obese individuals who are at risk for diabetes. But, do not start taking this medicine for weight loss on you own. Consult your doctor for the same.

Q. What are the benefits of taking Metformin?

Metformin is one of the first medicines that is given to patients with high blood sugar levels. It helps control the blood sugar. It promotes the body’s response to the insulin made by the pancreas, decreases the amount of sugar made by the liver, and decreases the amount of sugar absorbed by the intestines. Unlike other oral antidiabetic medicines, Metformin when taken alone rarely causes low blood sugar as it prevents the pancreas from secreting more insulin. In addition to being a great blood sugar lowering medicine, it also helps in controlling weight gain.

Q. Can Metformin make you sleepy?

Metformin usually does not cause sleepiness and is well tolerated. However, the use of Metformin may rarely cause sleep disorders and insomnia. Sleepiness may be due to a very serious side effect called lactic acidosis, particularly if your kidneys are not working properly. Contact your doctor if you feel sleepy or tired while taking Metformin.

Q. How to take Metformin?

Take Metformin with or after a meal. Do not crush or chew the tablets and swallow it with a glass of water. If your doctor has prescribed one tablet a day, take it in the morning with breakfast. If two tablets a day, then take one in the morning and other in evening with dinner. If you take three doses a day, apart from morning and evening take it with lunch. Taking Metformin with meals will reduce its digestive problems like indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bellyache and loss of appetite.