Metformin is a popular medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar by reducing the amount of glucose the liver makes and making the body more sensitive to insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar.
Besides controlling blood sugar, Metformin has other health benefits. One of the biggest is that it helps lower the risk of heart disease, which is a common problem for people with diabetes. A well-known study in The Lancet found that people taking Metformin had a 39% lower chance of heart problems compared to those who didn’t take it.
Metformin can also help with weight loss. It does this by reducing appetite and making the body use insulin more effectively, which helps prevent extra sugar from turning into fat.
Another important benefit is that Metformin reduces inflammation, which is linked to many diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Metformin can cause side effects. The most common ones are stomach problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. These side effects are usually mild and can be reduced by taking the medicine with food.
A less common but important issue is vitamin B12 deficiency. Metformin can make it harder for the body to absorb this vitamin, which can lead to anemia and nerve problems if not treated.
A very rare but serious side effect is lactic acidosis, a condition where lactic acid builds up in the body. This can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. The risk is higher in people with kidney or liver disease or those taking high doses of the drug.
Metformin can also cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in some cases, especially for people taking other diabetes medicines, not eating enough, or having kidney or liver problems. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, shakiness, and confusion.
Safe Use of Metformin
Despite these risks, Metformin is considered safe and effective for most people with type 2 diabetes. However, it’s important to take the right dose and monitor any side effects.
Doctors may adjust the dose if a patient experiences problems, and regular check-ups can help catch any issues early.
Overall, Metformin is one of the best treatments for type 2 diabetes because it lowers blood sugar and offers extra health benefits. However, patients should be aware of the possible side effects and work with their doctors to use it safely.
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