Metformin is one of the most widely used medicines for people with type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar and offers many other health benefits too.
This medication works in two main ways. First, it lowers the amount of sugar your liver makes. Second, it helps your body respond better to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells. By improving how your body handles sugar, Metformin helps keep blood sugar levels under control.
But Metformin does more than just lower blood sugar. It also protects your heart. People with diabetes are more likely to have heart problems. Studies show that Metformin can lower this risk. One big study published in The Lancet found that people with diabetes who took Metformin were 39% less likely to have heart issues than those who didn’t take it.
Metformin may also help with weight loss. It can reduce your appetite and help your body use insulin better. This means your body absorbs less sugar and stores less fat.
Another good thing about Metformin is that it can reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is linked to many health problems, including heart disease and some cancers. By lowering inflammation, Metformin may help protect you from these diseases.
Like any medicine, Metformin can cause side effects. The most common ones affect the stomach. Some people may feel sick, vomit, or have diarrhea or stomach pain. These problems are usually mild and can often be avoided by taking the medicine with food.
One thing to watch out for is vitamin B12 levels. Metformin can make it harder for your body to absorb this vitamin. If your B12 levels get too low, it may lead to problems like tiredness, nerve pain, or even anemia. If you take Metformin for a long time, it’s a good idea to have your B12 checked now and then.
There is also a very rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis. This happens when too much lactic acid builds up in your body. It can be life-threatening, but it’s very uncommon. It’s more likely in people who have kidney or liver problems or take very high doses of Metformin.
Metformin may also cause low blood sugar in some cases—especially if it’s taken with other diabetes medications or if you skip meals. Signs of low blood sugar include feeling shaky, dizzy, or confused.
Even with these risks, Metformin is still one of the safest and most helpful medicines for type 2 diabetes. The key is to take it exactly as your doctor tells you. Regular checkups and blood tests can make sure the medicine is working well and not causing problems.
In short, Metformin is more than just a drug for diabetes. It helps control blood sugar, protects your heart, supports weight loss, and lowers inflammation. With proper use and regular care, it can greatly improve your health.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes, and how to manage high blood pressure and diabetes with healthy foods.
For more health information, please see recent studies about vitamin D and type2 diabetes, and to people with type 2 diabetes, some fruits are better than others.
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