Metformin is one of the most common medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes.
It helps people manage their blood sugar levels by lowering the amount of sugar made by the liver and making the body respond better to insulin. Insulin is the hormone that controls sugar in the blood.
But Metformin does more than just lower blood sugar. It can also protect the heart. People with diabetes often have a higher chance of developing heart disease. One big study published in *The Lancet* showed that Metformin could reduce the risk of heart problems by 39% compared to people who didn’t take it.
Metformin can also help with weight loss. It works by reducing appetite and improving how the body handles insulin. As a result, the body absorbs less sugar and stores less fat.
Another benefit of Metformin is that it lowers inflammation. Inflammation is linked to many health problems, like heart disease and some cancers. By reducing inflammation, Metformin may help protect the body from these serious conditions.
Of course, like all medicines, Metformin can have side effects. The most common ones affect the stomach. People might feel sick, vomit, have diarrhea, or stomach pain. These problems are usually mild and often go away when the medicine is taken with food.
One thing to watch for is low vitamin B12 levels. Metformin can make it harder for the body to absorb this vitamin. If someone doesn’t have enough B12, it can lead to problems like tiredness, nerve pain, or anemia. That’s why doctors may check B12 levels regularly if a person takes Metformin for a long time.
There’s also a rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis. This happens when too much lactic acid builds up in the body. It can be life-threatening. It’s more likely to happen to people who have kidney or liver problems or take very high doses of Metformin.
Sometimes, Metformin can also cause low blood sugar, especially if someone is taking other diabetes medicines or skips meals. Signs of low blood sugar include feeling shaky, dizzy, or confused.
Even with these risks, Metformin is seen as a safe and helpful medicine for most people with type 2 diabetes. It works well when taken under a doctor’s care. Regular checkups and blood tests can make sure it’s doing its job and not causing problems.
In short, Metformin is more than just a diabetes drug. It helps control blood sugar, supports heart health, may help with weight loss, and reduces inflammation. When used properly, it can improve the lives of many people with diabetes.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
