METFORMIN
WORKING
The liver of a person with type 2 diabetes releases too much glucose into the bloodstream.
Metformin works to reduce the glucose production by the liver.
Metformin does not stimulate insulin release from the beta cells, and so it does not cause
hypoglycemia. In fact, in people taking metformin alone, the glucose levels and the insulin levels are both
lower. Metformin also reduces appetite and promotes weight loss, and it has a beneficial effect on some risk
factors for heart disease such as lowering triglycerides. Metformin treatment in obese individuals was found to
be more effective than insulin or sulfonylureas in reducing heart attacks. Metformin is the first-line therapy
for type 2 diabetes.
SIDE
EFFECTS
The main side effects of metformin are nausea and occasionally diarrhea. These side effects
can be limited by taking the medicine with food and starting at a low dose. The side effects are also dose
dependent, and some people can tolerate only a low dose.
Rarely, people taking metformin can develop a serious medical condition called lactic
acidosis, which can lead to death and so requires immediate hospitalization. The symptoms of lactic acidosis
include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and feeling very unwell. People with liver failure,
kidney failure, or severe heart failure are at a higher risk for lactic acidosis and therefore should not take
this medicine.
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