Wellness Series 2 – Metformin

Metformin is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by lowering glucose (sugar) levels in the blood, reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and improving insulin sensitivity. Metformin is often the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes, as it is generally well-tolerated with a low risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Note: As always, information herein though been thoroughly researched, should always be treated with “a grain of salt.” We expect your due diligence to dangle a mile more to verify all these information for its veracity before committing yourself to it.

It is also commonly used in combination with other diabetes medications and can sometimes be prescribed for other conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Metformin is available in tablet form and is typically taken one to three times daily with meals. Despite its widespread use, metformin is still the subject of ongoing research, and its mechanism of action is not fully understood.

Quick breakdown on Metformin Health Benefits

Improved blood sugar control: Metformin helps lower glucose levels in the blood, improving overall blood sugar control and reducing the risk of long-term complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes, such as heart disease and nerve damage.

Weight loss: Metformin has been shown to help some people with type 2 diabetes lose weight, possibly by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and decreasing appetite.

Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease: Studies have shown that metformin may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes by improving blood lipid levels, reducing oxidative stress, and improving heart function.

Reduced risk of cancer: Some studies have suggested that metformin may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast, colon, and prostate cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential anti-cancer effects of metformin.

Improved liver function: Metformin has been shown to improve liver function and reduce the risk of liver disease in people with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

How does Metformin work?

Metformin works by multiple mechanisms to lower glucose levels in the blood, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver.

Metformin reduces the production of glucose in the liver by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called gluconeogenesis. This helps to lower overall blood glucose levels. It also enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin, allowing it to use insulin more effectively to lower blood glucose levels. This is particularly important for people with type 2 diabetes, who have decreased insulin sensitivity. Metformin may also decrease glucose absorption in the gut, reducing the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream after a meal. Finally, metformin may increase the uptake of glucose into cells, which further lowers blood glucose levels.

Overall, metformin helps to lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver. These actions help to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes.

How safe or unsafe is Metformin?

Needless to say, with all the benefits mentioned above, no doubt that Metformin is highly beneficial to a targeted disease, best of all preventing them. Metformin has a long enduring good rap of unparalleled safety of over 60 years. This med is modeled or derived from French Lilac, a medicinal plant known for centuries of lowering blood glucose levels. But, just like any other good stuff, Metformin has its shares of side effects. These includes:

Lactic acidosis: In rare cases, metformin can cause a condition called lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Metformin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if it is taken in combination with other diabetes medications, particularly insulin.

Vitamin B12 deficiency: Long-term use of metformin has been linked to a decreased level of vitamin B12 in the body.

Drug interactions: Metformin can interact with other medications, so it’s important to inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements you take.

Who should take Metformin?

Metformin is typically used for the management of type 2 diabetes. It is a first-line treatment for people with type 2 diabetes who are unable to control their blood sugar levels through diet and lifestyle changes alone.

It may also be used off-label for the management of other conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Besides targeted medication, do you know that Metformin can also be used for disease prevention? Doctors know this, but they won’t tell you unless you ask or insist on it. So, it boils down to an amicable negotiation between you and your doctor. Take notice of the benefits above besides benefits from Type-2 diabetics.

Studies also suggest that metformin can reduce cancer mortality risk of up to 40 percent, more in particular those people with tumors of the lungs, pancreas, colon and breast.

We always remind that your doctor’s advice will always be your jump board towards your healthful journey in life.

To your health!

FIME

Author's Corner

Sweet, I blame you not, for mine the fault was, had I not been made of common clay. I had climbed the higher heights unclimbed yet, seen the fuller air, the larger day. From the wildness of my wasted passion I had struck a better, clearer song, Lit some lighter light of freer freedom, battled with some Hydra-headed wrong. – Oscar Wilde