Metformin - A reliable medication for diabetes

Jun 27
07:34

2012

Ian Caspar

Ian Caspar

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Diabetes is often considered to be the gateway to other health complications such as obesity and heart problems. Metformin is a safe and reliable treatment for Type 2 diabetes and works by regulating the glucose production by liver.

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Millions of people around the world are diagnosed with diabetes,Metformin - A reliable medication for diabetes Articles also known as diabetes mellitus, every year. It is a condition in which a person’s blood sugar level is higher than is considered healthy. This situation arises when your body is unable to produce insulin or fails to respond to the insulin produced. Diabetes mellitus can be divided into two groups: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. In case of Type 1 diabetes the body is unable to produce insulin, while Type 2 occurs when the body is unable to respond to the insulin produced. Type 2 diabetes can be treated by maintaining a healthy diet and monitoring blood sugar level regularly. However, when the condition is progressive you need a suitable treatment for Type 2 diabetes so that you can manage the condition properly.

There is a wide range of treatments available from which you can choose depending on your needs and severity of your disease. The most reliable and safest medication for Type 2 diabetes is Metformin. It belongs to the class of medications called biguanides, meaning it lowers blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. It also helps in increasing insulin sensitivity along with lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is considered bad for your health while HDL cholesterol helps in weight loss. Metformin does not cause weight gain, unlike other diabetic medications. It may even cause weight loss in Type 2 diabetic patients who are overweight.

Although, Metformin are effective, it is not prescribed for Type 1 diabetes as it can only be treated with insulin injections. It is generally advised to take this medication twice a day in the form of a 500mg tablet. You should not take the medication longer than the prescribed time by doctor as it may cause serious side effects. You need to take this tablet with food and it should not be chewed. For maximum effectiveness, you should monitor your blood glucose levels regularly.

This medication can cause some common side effects which include nausea, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, gastritis and headaches. However, there are some more rare side effects which you need to take care of. Metformin tablets can cause hypoglycaemia i.e. low blood sugar sometimes. Hypoglycaemia can cause dizziness, vertigo, sweating, hunger, tingling around the mouth and pale skin. It is always recommended to consult a doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms during the course of the treatment. Metformin may also cause a severe condition known as lactic acidosis which refers to the build-up of lactic acid in the bloodstream. It can be avoided by consuming less alcohol while taking the medication.


Precautions with Metformin:

  • You should not take this medication if you are suffering from kidney problems.

  • Avoid this medication if you drink excessively on a daily basis.

  • Do not take this medication if you have a medical history of congestive heart failure.

Overall, metformin works wonders for diabetic patients when accompanied with a proper diet. Find more information on Metformin tablets at euroclinix.net.