Metformin is one of the most common medications used to treat type 2 diabetes.
It has been prescribed for decades and is often the first medicine doctors recommend when someone is newly diagnosed with this condition.
Its main job is to lower blood sugar levels, helping people manage their diabetes more effectively.
Metformin works in two main ways. First, it reduces the amount of sugar your liver makes. Second, it helps your body respond better to insulin—the hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into the cells where it’s used for energy. This makes it easier to keep blood sugar levels under control.
But Metformin does more than just lower blood sugar. It also offers other health benefits, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. One of the biggest advantages is its effect on heart health. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart problems, but Metformin may help lower that risk.
A well-known study published in The Lancet showed that people with diabetes who took Metformin had a 39% lower risk of heart disease compared to those who didn’t take the drug.
Metformin can also support weight loss. Many people with type 2 diabetes struggle with being overweight, which can make managing blood sugar even harder. Metformin helps by reducing appetite and making the body more sensitive to insulin. As a result, it can help people lose weight or at least avoid gaining more.
Another important benefit of Metformin is its ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is linked to many serious illnesses, such as heart disease and even cancer. By lowering inflammation, Metformin may offer some protection against these diseases.
Like all medications, Metformin isn’t perfect. It can cause side effects. The most common ones affect the stomach and digestive system. Some people feel sick, get stomach pain, have diarrhea, or feel like vomiting. These symptoms are usually mild and often go away if you take the medicine with food.
A less common but more serious side effect is a drop in vitamin B12 levels. Metformin can make it harder for the body to absorb this vitamin.
Over time, low B12 levels can lead to tiredness, nerve problems, or even anemia (a condition where your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells). Doctors often check B12 levels during regular follow-ups for people taking Metformin.
There is also a very rare but dangerous risk called lactic acidosis. This happens when too much lactic acid builds up in the body. It can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. This side effect is more likely in people who have serious kidney or liver problems or take very high doses of Metformin.
Metformin can also sometimes cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), though this is rare when it is taken alone. It’s more likely to happen if you are taking other diabetes medications, eating too little, or have kidney or liver issues. Signs of low blood sugar include feeling shaky, dizzy, or confused.
Because of these risks, it’s important for people taking Metformin to be monitored by their doctor. Regular check-ups help make sure the dose is right and that any side effects are noticed early. Doctors may change the dose or add other treatments if needed.
In short, Metformin is a highly effective treatment for type 2 diabetes. It not only helps control blood sugar but also supports heart health, weight loss, and reduces inflammation. For most people, the benefits far outweigh the risks—especially when taken as directed and with regular medical care.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about diabetes and vitamin B12, and the right diet for people with type 2 diabetes.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to eat smart with diabetes, and turmeric and vitamin D: a duo for blood pressure control in diabetic patients.
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