Does Metformin Lower Blood Sugar?
Metformin - Does It Lower Blood Sugar?
Metformin is a common drug prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition characterized by the inability of your body to use insulin which causes a spike in blood sugar levels.
Several medications and treatments are available for individuals who suffer from diabetes and have consistently high levels of blood sugar.
The question is, are these medications effective in eliminating high levels of blood sugar, are the medications safe for everyone, and do these cause side effects on your health?
Let us take a look at metformin, its uses, side effects, and much more.
What is Metformin?
Metformin is a prescription drug that is usually used alone or combined with other medications to help individuals with type 2 diabetes in controlling high levels of blood sugar.
Again, type 2 diabetes is characterized by the inability of your body to use insulin accurately which causes a spike in blood sugar levels.
Now, what does insulin have to do with high blood sugar levels? The answer is quite simple!Â
Insulin is a hormone produced in your body that is important for transporting the sugar molecules in your blood to the cells where these molecules are used for energy production.
This process helps to maintain healthy levels of blood sugar balance and keep you healthy. However, as the body doesn't use insulin accurately, sugar molecules start to pile up in your blood as they do not get transported to the cells for energy production.
Hence, insulin plays an important role in maintaining blood sugar levels. Coming back to metformin, it belongs to the class of drugs called biguanides.
The main function of this drug is to help individuals with type 2 diabetes control their levels of blood sugar effectively.
What is Metformin used for?
Metformin is usually combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine to help you gain control over high levels of blood sugar.
When prescribed by a doctor, metformin may be combined with other medications depending on your health, other health conditions that you may be suffering from, and other important factors.
The main purpose of metformin prescription is to help individuals with type 2 diabetes to bring high blood sugar levels under control.
Additionally, it is important to control your blood sugar levels as it can prevent long-term effects like kidney damage, blindness, heart issues, and other health problems.
Research suggests that controlling your blood sugar levels reduces the risk of heart problems and stroke. Metformin is usually available for oral consumption in the form of liquid solutions, tablets, or extended-use tablets.
Depending on the fluctuations observed in your blood sugar levels doctors usually suggest individuals take anywhere between 1 to 3 capsules in a day.
Based on your response to this medication which is observed over a month or so, your doctors may reduce or increase the intake of metformin.
How does Metformin work?
Metformin is a prescription drug that can be used by individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes gestational diabetes.
As mentioned earlier type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes occur as a result of your body's inability to manage the use of insulin effectively.
Metformin works by improving the way your body utilizes insulin. In short, it makes sure that the body makes use of the insulin effectively.
When the insulin works accurately sugar present in your blood is transported to the cells for energy production effectively.
Hence, there is no excess sugar present in your blood and the blood sugar levels stay constant.
Hence, it can be said that metformin works effectively when it comes to maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar and eliminating the long-term risks of diabetes on your overall health.
Hence metformin is an effective drug used for the treatment of individuals with type 2 diabetes and may also help to manage the symptoms of PCOS which is the condition experienced by several women.
Does Metformin affect your blood sugar levels?
As we have seen that proper functioning of insulin plays an important role in regulating healthy levels of blood sugar.
However, individuals with type 2 diabetes have high blood sugar levels as a result of ineffective usage of insulin by the body. Hence, metformin is prescribed for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Yes, metformin does help to lower blood sugar levels effectively.
It can be said that metformin positively impacts the levels of blood sugar by improving the functions of insulin and making sure that the body utilizes sugar molecules from the blood for maintaining energy production and keeping the sugar levels in your blood in check.
Is Metformin suitable for everyone?
Metformin is suitable for most adults and children who are above the age of 10 years. However, the drug may not be suitable for all individuals as it may cause side effects or boost health problems furthermore.
Here's who should not be taking metformin:
- Individuals who experience allergic reactions after consuming metformin.
- Individuals who have uncontrollable diabetes and those who may experience blood sugar spikes often.
- Individuals who suffer from other health conditions and problems with the liver or the kidneys.
- Individuals who suffer from severe infections.
- Individuals who consume alcohol daily.
- Individuals who may have other health problems.
Metformin Side effects:
Like several medicines, metformin also has some downsides and common side effects that can affect your overall health and well-being.
Here are some of the side effects of consuming metformin for long periods:
- Nausea is one of the leading side effects of several medicines including metformin.
- It may also cause diarrhea and vomiting in several people.
- Stomach ache is another common side effect of using this drug for a long time.
- Loss of appetite has also been reported as a side effect of metformin.
- Getting a metallic taste in the mouth is a common side effect of the drug.
- Finally, one of the biggest side effects of long-term use of metformin includes vitamin b12 deficiency. deficiency in vitamin b12 is characterized by symptoms like fatigue, weak muscles, redness or soreness on the tongue, mouth ulcers, vision problems, and much more. Hence, if you have been prescribed metformin for daily use make sure to keep your levels of vitamin b12 in check.
It is important to note that these common side effects are experienced by more than one in 100 individuals. It is advised to consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.
Final Thoughts
Using metformin for treating high levels of blood sugar is an option that many doctors use.
However, it may cause some side effects and hence people must take precautions on an individual level to make sure it doesn’t cause damage to your health.
Additionally, it is a prescription drug and individuals must avoid using them without consulting their doctor or healthcare provider.
The bottom line is that metformin does help to lower levels of blood sugar and is effective for treating type 2 diabetes.
Â
 Read Also:
Supplements To Lower Blood Sugar Naturally
Does Drinking Water Lower Blood Sugar?
Foods That Lower Blood Sugar Instantly
Â
.
.