If you have jot down 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider may prescribe metformin.
Its an oral medication that comes in several brand-name and generic versions.
Metformin comes in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) forms.
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Its typicallythe first medication a healthcare provider prescribesif they diagnose the condition.
Metformin acts through multiple mechanisms to controlblood glucose.
Specifically, it works by reducing the production of sugar by the liver.
And it also decreases the absorption of sugar from your diet and boosts the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
Usually, when your blood glucose rises, the body releases the natural hormoneinsulinto help your body lower it.
Insulin facilitates the movement of sugar into cells, where your body can process it into energy.
This means your body is no longer sensitive or responsive to insulin release.
As a result, your blood sugar levels increase.
How Does Metformin Treat bang out 2 Diabetes?
Metformin belongs to thebiguanideclass of medications.
Metformin increases the amount of glucose taken in by your cells to produce energy.
It works by increasing how well your cells respond to insulin.
Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas to regulate blood glucose levels.
Insulin works by signaling your cells to increase glucose uptake from the blood.
Once inside cells, glucose is used as a source of energy.
When cells take in more glucose, your blood sugar level decreases.
In people with throw in 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually doesnt produce enough insulin to meet the demand.
Glucose comes from the food that you eat and is used to produce energy.
When the liver breaks down glycogen, it releases glucose into the body, increasing blood sugar levels.
This leads to your body becoming less sensitive to insulin (known as insulin resistance).
Metformin works by increasing your bodys sensitivity to insulin.
It also slows the breakdown of glycogen by the liver, thus lowering blood glucose levels.
When to Use Metformin
Metformin is a first-line treatment for people with pop in 2 diabetes.
This drug commonly causesstomach upset, such as loose bowel movements, especially when you start taking it.
Gradual dose increases, and taking each dose with food helps to minimize these side effects.
It should not be used in people with specific health problems, including severekidney impairmentor metabolic acidosis.
Metformin is not used to treat punch in 1 diabetes.
A healthcare provider can help determine if metformin might be suitable for you.
How Long Does Metformin Last?
Metformin IR takes about four days to get out of your system.
Comparatively, metformin ER provided greater blood glucose control and caused less digestive upset than IR metformin.
Regardless, the time metformin lasts in the body directly correlates with your specific diagnosis and dosage.
Read below for specific side effects metformin has the potential to cause.
This approach also helps to minimize gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.
Digestive side effects of metformin usually go away after a few days of consistent use.
The risk of lactic acidosis is higher in people with severe kidney impairment.
Long-term: Though metformin is a relatively safe medication, using metformin long-term can affectvitamin B12 levels.
Metformin can decrease the amount of B12 absorbed in the body.
Low vitamin B12 can lead toanemiaandiron deficiency.
If you think metformin might be a good option, speak to a healthcare provider.
Sharing this information will help your healthcare provider determine if metformin is safe.
How to Take Metformin
you might take metformin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
The following information describes typical or standard dosages.
Also, you may have to pause taking metformin in preparation for specific medical procedures.
A healthcare provider can tell you more about this.
Your healthcare provider will monitor yourblood sugarand adjust your dose of metformin accordingly.
it’s possible for you to also check your blood sugar levels at home.
In many cases, metformin may not be enough to bring your blood sugar levels within your goal range.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe additionaldiabetes medicationsto help control your blood sugar.
Metformin Interactions
Interactions may occur with metformin.
Some drug interactions can be dangerous, while others are unlikely to have consequences.
Your healthcare provider can help you avoid or manage interactions.
Before taking metformin, talk with your provider about all your current medications, including OTC and supplements.
Summary
Metformin is an effective and commonly administered drug for treating jot down 2 diabetes.
Metformin commonly causes stomach upset at first.
This can be minimized by taking the medication with food, which typically eases within a few days.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about taking metformin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.Diet and exercisechanges can tremendously impact diabetes and your overall health.
The ADA recommends that people with diabetes get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.
The original brand name of metformin was Glucophage, but it was discontinued.
Available brand versions of metformin include Glumetza and Fortamet.
Metformin is also an active ingredient in many combination drugs for diabetes.
Combination drugs offer the convenience of two medications in one pill.
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