Metformin is one of the most widely used medicines for treating type 2 diabetes.
This is a condition where the body struggles to keep blood sugar levels under control. It often happens because the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t respond to it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into cells, where it’s used for energy. If insulin doesn’t work well, sugar stays in the blood, which can lead to serious health problems over time.
Metformin helps by lowering the amount of sugar made by the liver. It also helps the body respond better to insulin so sugar can move into the cells more easily. This keeps blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
But Metformin does more than control blood sugar. It also protects the heart. People with diabetes are more likely to have heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
A well-known study published in The Lancet showed that people with diabetes who took Metformin had a 39% lower risk of heart problems compared to those who didn’t take it. This means Metformin helps prevent serious health problems, not just control diabetes.
Another benefit of Metformin is that it can help with weight loss. Many people with type 2 diabetes find it hard to lose weight, and being overweight can make diabetes worse. Metformin helps by lowering appetite and helping the body use insulin better. This makes it easier to lose weight and keep diabetes under control.
Metformin also lowers inflammation in the body. Inflammation is when the immune system stays active even when there’s no real threat. Long-term inflammation is linked to diseases like heart disease and cancer. By reducing inflammation, Metformin might help protect the body from these serious diseases too.
Like all medicines, Metformin can cause side effects. The most common ones affect the stomach. Some people may feel sick, have diarrhea, stomach pain, or vomit. These side effects are usually mild and often get better when the medicine is taken with food.
One side effect that doctors watch for is low levels of vitamin B12. Metformin can make it harder for the body to absorb this vitamin, which is important for healthy nerves and blood.
If someone doesn’t get enough vitamin B12, they might feel very tired or have nerve problems. That’s why doctors sometimes check B12 levels in people who take Metformin for a long time.
A rare but serious side effect is something called lactic acidosis. This happens when too much lactic acid builds up in the body.
It can be very dangerous and needs quick medical care. It’s more likely to happen in people with kidney or liver problems or those taking very high doses of Metformin. That’s why doctors check your kidney health before and during treatment.
Metformin can sometimes cause low blood sugar, especially if it’s taken with other diabetes medicines or if someone skips meals. Signs of low blood sugar include shaking, sweating, feeling dizzy, or confusion. If this happens, eating or drinking something sugary and talking to a doctor is important.
Because of these risks, it’s important to see a doctor regularly while taking Metformin. The doctor can make sure the medicine is working well and check for any problems.
In the end, Metformin is a trusted and helpful medicine for people with type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar, protects the heart, supports weight loss, and may even help prevent other serious health problems. With regular check-ups and careful use, Metformin can help people live longer and healthier lives.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Scientists find a promising treatment for type 2 diabetes and findings of Certain type 2 diabetes treatment may bring heart risks.
For more about diabetes, please read studies about New type 2 diabetes treatment could help patients stop taking insulin and findings of Scientists find true cause of inflammation in type 2 diabetes.
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