Metformin, the most widely prescribed diabetes medication, helps people regulate their blood sugar levels. Studies have also suggested that it may aid weight loss in some individuals.
Weight loss may be achieved through suppressing appetite and improving the body’s sensitivity to hormones such as insulin and leptin. This increased energy-production may allow fat cells to be burned more efficiently.
What is Metformin?
Metformin is an FDA-approved medication used to manage high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is available under various brand names, including Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, and Riomet.
How does Metformin work?
Metformin works by reducing glucose absorption from the intestines, lowering liver glucose production, and improving insulin sensitivity. However, it is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, regular blood sugar testing, and special medical care.
Important considerations when using Metformin
While Metformin can be a useful tool in managing high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, it should not be used by individuals who are allergic to it, have severe kidney disease, or have metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis.
It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions closely when taking Metformin as it is essential for managing the condition effectively.
How Does Metformin Work in the Body
Weight Loss
Metformin, a medication commonly prescribed to those with diabetes or prediabetes, has been found to aid weight loss in some individuals. This may be done by lowering blood sugar levels, inhibiting insulin secretion, or encouraging the body to utilize stored fat as energy source.
Studies have also demonstrated that people on metformin report lower food intake than those taking a placebo, likely due to its appetite-suppressing effects. This could be related to how it alters your gut bacteria, which could suppress hunger and result in decreased calorie consumption.
In certain cases, patients can enhance the effects of metformin by adding other weight loss medications to their therapy.
Semaglutide, for instance, is an injectable medication that mimics GLP-1 – an important hunger-regulating hormone in our bodies – and has recently been approved by the FDA to treat both type 2 diabetes and obesity. These drugs work by decreasing insulin and leptin levels which in turn leads to weight loss.
Blood Sugar Control
Metformin can assist those living with diabetes in managing their blood glucose levels by decreasing insulin secretion and improving the body’s capacity to use its own insulin. This prevents excessive glucose from damaging organs such as your heart, nerves, or eyes.
Metformin can be taken in combination with a healthy diet and exercise plan to help regulate blood sugar levels for those living with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, taking metformin may decrease your risk of developing diabetic complications like heart disease, stroke, or retinopathy.
Additionally, exercising can lower your risk for having low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you experience symptoms such as sudden flushing, warmth, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, contact your doctor right away.
Metformin is often prescribed to those with type 2 diabetes after they have exhausted other methods of managing their condition. On occasion, however, people may require just metformin alone if other medications they’re taking don’t effectively control their blood sugar levels.
Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin sensitivity is a crucial factor for Type 2 diabetes patients, as insulin quickly and effectively lowers blood sugar levels.
Insulin resistance (IR) puts individuals at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, medical teams may prescribe additional treatments with insulin in addition to oral medications when glycemic control proves difficult or inadequate with medications alone.
Metformin has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in several ways. First, it increases the efficiency of energy production within mitochondria – cells in your body that convert food into energy.
Metformin increases metabolism, meaning you burn more calories than you consume. Furthermore, metformin helps to decrease body fat storage for added energy production.
The 2 month metformin weight loss results presented above demonstrate its potential effectiveness at combatting obesity. Furthermore, these data indicate it can lower your risks of developing diabetic complications like heart disease, stroke and retinopathy.
Suppression of Appetite
Recent research involving women with obesity and type 2 diabetes who weren’t taking insulin found that those on the highest metformin dose – 850 mg three times a day – experienced less hunger both before and after meals than other groups.
Metformin can suppress appetite through various mechanisms. For instance, it lowers blood sugar levels which helps manage carb cravings. Furthermore, metformin increases leptin levels – a hormone which suppresses food intake and body weight – helping reduce hunger pangs.
Metformin can also lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Furthermore, this drug may help prevent or manage metabolic syndrome – a condition marked by weight gain and elevated lipids – by helping lower these unhealthy substances from circulation.
Metformin is often prescribed off-label for various reasons, including gestational diabetes and weight loss in those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Additionally, patients taking antipsychotic medications may find benefit in taking metformin since it helps control weight gain while on these drugs.
Metformin: Common and Serious Side Effects
Metformin is a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. While it is generally safe and effective, it can cause both mild and serious side effects.
Common Side Effects of Metformin
The most frequent side effects of metformin are mild and may include:
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Weight loss
- Headache
- Unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth
These side effects typically affect the digestive system and may diminish over time as the body adapts to the medication.
Serious Side Effects of Metformin
However, some people may experience severe side effects that require immediate medical attention. These serious side effects may include:
- Lactic acidosis, a dangerous condition that can be life-threatening
- Numbness or a cold feeling in the limbs
- Flu-like symptoms
- Sweating and flushing
- Heart palpitations
- Rashes
- Nail problems
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately. It is also essential to inform your healthcare provider of any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may interact with metformin and increase your risk of side effects.
Metformin Dosage: What You Need to Know
Metformin is a medication used to manage type 2 diabetes. The recommended dosage depends on several factors including age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Here’s what you need to know:
Adult Dosage
For adults with type 2 diabetes, the usual starting dose of metformin is 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day taken with the morning and evening meals, or 850 mg a day taken with the morning meal. The maximum recommended daily dose of metformin is 2000 mg per day. It’s important to take metformin with meals, either once or twice a day depending on the brand.
Children’s Dosage
Children younger than 10 years of age should use and dose metformin as determined by their doctor. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions closely when taking metformin.
Consult Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you have any questions about the dosage or use of metformin, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. It’s crucial to take the medication as prescribed and not to exceed the recommended dose.
