Metformin is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar by reducing the amount of glucose produced in the liver and increasing the body’s response to insulin, a hormone that helps process blood sugar.
Metformin does not directly lower blood sugar, but rather works in combination with lifestyle modifications and other medications to keep blood sugar at healthy levels.
Because of its efficacy and safety profile, metformin is one of the most common treatments for type 2 diabetes.
As a result, many people with this condition know about this drug and wonder if it’s right for them as an individual.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about Metformin and how it can help you manage your T2DM.
Table of Contents
What is Metformin?
Metformin is a drug that is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing the amount of glucose produced in the liver and increasing the body’s response to insulin, a hormone that helps process blood sugar. Metformin doesn’t directly lower blood sugar; rather, it works in combination with lifestyle modifications and other medications to keep blood sugar at healthy levels.
Metformin has been available to treat diabetes for over 60 years, and, as a result, it is one of the most studied drugs on the market. It is also one of the most common treatments for diabetes, and many people who have diabetes know about this drug and want to know if it is right for them as an individual.
If you are being treated for diabetes and are unsure if you should be taking metformin, speak with your doctor.
How does Metformin work to control blood sugar levels?
Metformin acts on the liver to reduce the amount of glucose produced, and also increases insulin sensitivity in the body, so that the glucose that is produced is more quickly absorbed and metabolized by the body.
When taken in combination with lifestyle modifications, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, and other medications, including insulin in some cases, metformin can help you normalize your blood sugar levels to a point where you no longer have diabetes.
When should you take Metformin?
If you are being treated for diabetes, your doctor may suggest that you start taking metformin, along with dietary and lifestyle modifications, to help control and, if possible, bring your blood sugar levels down to normal.
There are a few factors that will go into whether or not your doctor will recommend metformin, including your age, current health, and the severity of your diabetes.
However, most people who are diagnosed with diabetes are prescribed metformin.
Side effects of Metformin
Every medication has the potential for side effects, and metformin is no different.
The most common side effects include:
- stomach discomfort
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- headaches
- sleeping problems
- decreased appetite
Metformin is a very safe drug with very few side effects, and most people tolerate it well. If you are experiencing side effects, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dosage or trying a different medication.
How can you know if Metformin is right for you?
Metformin is one of the most common treatments for diabetes, so, if you are diagnosed with this condition, it is likely that your doctor will recommend this drug. That being said, they will take into account your individual circumstances before making a recommendation.
There are a few factors that will go into your doctor’s decision, including your age, current health, and the severity of your diabetes.
However, most people who are diagnosed with diabetes are prescribed metformin.
Summing up
Metformin is a drug that is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing the amount of glucose produced in the liver and increasing the body’s response to insulin, a hormone that helps process blood sugar.
Metformin doesn’t directly lower blood sugar; rather, it works in combination with lifestyle modifications and other medications to keep blood sugar at healthy levels.
Because of its efficacy and safety profile, metformin is one of the most common treatments for type 2 diabetes.
As a result, many people with this condition know about this drug and wonder if it’s right for them as an individual. If you are being treated for diabetes and are unsure if you should be taking metformin, speak with your doctor. They will take into account your individual circumstances before making a recommendation.
