Metformin is a medication that falls under the biguanides class of drugs and carries the formula C4H11N5. It was discovered just over a century ago but was not used in the United States until 1995. Fast-forward to the current day and it is the 4th most-prescribed medicine in America and included in the WHO’s List of Essential Medicines.

The medicine is taken orally via tablets, liquids, or extended-release tablets. It is designed to manage the amount of glucose in the patient’s blood, which can subsequently have a huge impact on a range of ongoing health issues that are linked to blood sugar levels – not least the direct and indirect influence of diabetes.

Metformin is a medication that can be taken by children as well as adults. As the world’s most commonly prescribed diabetic medicine, metformin is used by millions of people daily and is considered very safe when administered in the correct way.

What is Metformin Prescribed For?

Metformin is prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes but is not used to manage Type 1 diabetes. It can subsequently help remove the threat of complications linked to this type of diabetes, including heart disease, stroke, eye health conditions, and kidney failure. In addition to being used for managing diabetes, metformin is also commonly used to help people in the high-risk category avoid becoming diabetic.

The medication can also form part of a holistic approach that includes lifestyle changes and new dietary habits. Most people who are prescribed metformin will need to take it for life, although dosage levels may change over time.

How Does Metformin Work?

Metformin works by reducing the volume of glucose that is absorbed from food while simultaneously decreasing the amount of liver-produced glucose. Furthermore, it heightens the response to insulin to help control blood sugar levels. Diabetics have a reduced insulin response but metformin restores it to a normal level that can help prevent spikes throughout the day.

It is often taken with meals and used 1-2 times per day. When starting a course of metformin tablets, blood sugar levels should begin to show an impact after 48 hours, although it can take 5 days for the results to reach a point where the levels and dosage can be reviewed.

What Are The Side Effects of Metformin?

Metformin regularly causes side effects as the body acclimatizes to new blood sugar levels. However, they will usually subside once the body has got used to the right dosage. Some of the side effects that may be experienced shortly after taking a metformin tablet include;

• Diarrhea or constipation,
• Heartburn,
• Headaches,
• Muscle pains,
• Metallic taste in the mouth.

Chest pains and rashes could be potentially serious side effects, which is why they should be reported to a doctor if they occur. Side effects may show when taking the initial dose or after increasing it.