The control of diabetes will require healthy living, checking glucose levels, and proper drugs. Metformin is one of the orally prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes. This drug has been tried and tested in terms of efficacy, cost and safety.
📌 Introduction to Metformin
Metformin is the oral antihyperglycemic drug, which is mainly prescribed to help patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a class of drugs called biguanides. Back in the days, the FDA approved it and it has become a pillar in diabetes care.
💊 What is Metformin?
If metformin is prescribed, then it affects the release of sugar by the liver to the blood and improves the body’s response to insulin. Compared to other diabetes medications, it does not result in weight gain, and the risk of inducing the patient’s low blood sugar or hypoglycemia when used singularly is minimal.
🩺 Uses of Metformin Tablet
Metformin is used majorly to control type 2 diabetes patients with high blood sugar. Regulation of blood glucose is effective in the prevention of kidney damage, problems with nerves, heart, and blood vessels. In certain cases, Metformin is also prescribed to women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to help with regulating their menstrual cycles as well as enhancement of fertility.
⚙️ How Does Metformin Work?
Metformin reduces glucose production in the liver and reduces the intestinal absorption of glucose and enhances insulin sensitivity via increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. This complex mechanism allows control the levels of sugar in blood, making it fall within the established healthy norm.
📋 Dosage and Administration
There are two types of Metformin available in the market that are immediate-release and extended-release forms. Dosages are usually initiated at low levels to avoid the gastrointestinal side effects, at the amount of 500 mg, per day or two times per day. The amount might be modified according to the level of blood sugar and the person’s tolerance.
⚠️ Side Effects of Metformin
Common side effects include:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Stomach upset
Metallic taste
A serious but rare side effect is lactic acidosis, which is a state of emergency. Individuals who suffer from kidney problems and other health issues should be very careful when using Metformin and should not use this drug without doctor’s supervision.
🔍 Precautions and Warnings
Prior to taking Metformin, one should inform his or her doctor if there is any kidney or liver problems. The drug may also interfere with some imaging tests to which contrast dyes are applied prior to testing such as MRI scan. The use of alcohol should be moderate in order to minimize the possibilities of lactios inosis.
🤰 Metformin in Pregnancy & Breast Feeding
However, in specific situations, Metformin is taken during pregnancy especially for the patients with gestational diabetes. Nevertheless, the use of it should be under the control of a healthcare provider at all times. Metformin is regarded as a safe medication for breastfeeding mothers, but with the help of doctors.
🍲 Diet and Lifestyle Tips
If Metformin is taken to keep the blood sugar in check, then it must be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and physical activity related to it. Patients are advised to eat well balanced diets, reduce their sugar intake and exercise more so that they can realize maximum benefits from their medication.
- 📦 Availability and Brand Names
The drug is very much available from different pharmacies across the world under its brand names like Glucophage, Glumetza, and Fortamet. It is also available in its generic form, which makes it cheaper for most patients.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Metformin cure diabetes?
A: No, it does assist in controlling the levels of blood sugar but not in curing diabetes.
Q: What is the time span of Metformin to work?
A: The impact on the levels of blood sugar may only be observed after several days or weeks.
Q: Does Metformin interact with insulin?
A: Yes, in certain cases, it is used along with insulin and other medication.
📝 Conclusion
Metformin is still an important player in the treatment of type 2 diabetes for its reliability and few side effects. Although not would be a cure, it provides the patients with a strong base to work from to lead a healthier life. Always seek medical advice from a healthcare provider before starting any regimen or changing an existing one.
NOTE- you need to know about Aliskiren drug which are used in hypertension