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.