A blood sugar level less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is normal. A reading of more than 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) after two hours indicates diabetes. A reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) indicates prediabetes.
Precautions
Metformin is an oral anti-diabetic drug in the biguanide class for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, in particular, in overweight and obese people and those with normal kidney function. Metformin has several benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, including decreased hyperinsulinemia, weight reduction, augmented fibrinolysis, improved lipid profiles and …
What can you take instead of metformin?
Metformin is a drug used to treat type II diabetes. It is used to reduce the blood sugar levels in diabetics who are non-insulin dependant. Metformin can also help with weight loss, decreasing insulin resistance, and lowering cholesterol levels. Metformin works by helping your body respond better to its own natural insulin.
What to eat while taking metformin?
Apr 28, 2021 · Metformin is sometimes used together with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes. Metformin is also used off-label to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Warnings. You should not use metformin if you have severe kidney disease, metabolic acidosis, or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
Why is metformin bad for You?
Mar 21, 2022 · 3. Metformin as a Potential Treatment Option for Endometriosis—Mechanisms. Metformin has a pleiotropic effect by stimulating AMPK, which is the major regulator of cellular energy homeostasis that inhibits mTOR, the main suppressor of autophagy [55,75,76]. The activation of AMPK is of particular importance for understanding the mechanism of …
What are the effects of taking metformin without food?
Uses Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 …
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use metformin if you are allergic to it, or if you have: 1. severe kidney disease; or 2. metabolic or diabetic ketoacidosis (call yo...
How Should I Take Metformin?
Take metformin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dos...
Metformin Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:Immediate-release:Initial dose: 500 mg orally twice a day or 850 mg orally once a dayDose titration: Increase...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the medicine with food). Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next sche...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of metformin may cause lactic acidosis, which may be f...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Metformin?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis while taking metformin.See also: Metformin and alcohol...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Metformin?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may in...
Why is metformin used for diabetes?
Why? Metformin is the treatment of choice for type 2 diabetes because it works well, is inexpensive, and it has been around for decades. Patients may lose a few pounds of weight on metformin. Metformin is very effective at controlling blood glucose and lowers A1c levels by as much as 1.5% at maximum doses.
Does metformin cause diarrhea?
Side effects including diarrhea. However, a slow increase in doses or extended release preparations can often prevent this. In rare cases, metformin can have a serious adverse side effect called lactic acidosis, where the body produces potentially dangerous levels of lactic acid.
Is metformin FDA approved?
In addition, it is sometimes used to prevent diabetes in patients who are at risk of developing the disease (though it is not FDA approved for prediabetes ).
Usage of Metformin
Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems.
Side Effects Along with Interactions
Metformin can have side effects. People who start taking this medication sometimes report headaches, dizziness, or nausea. This is a side effect of the medication. If you get really sick and the symptoms don’t go away after a few days of treatment, call your doctor. If you have mild symptoms, then do not worry.
Conclusion
Metformin is an oral diabetes medication that people with type 2 diabetes take after consulting the doctor. Although it does not cause weight loss, it can reduce the risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by up to 30%. It works by reducing insulin resistance so glucose enters cells more easily for energy production.
A Word From MantraCare
If you are looking for more information on this topic or on Diabetes treatment, Online Therapy, Hypertension, PCOS treatment, Weight Loss, and Physiotherapy, please visit mantracare.org or feel free to reach out to us at +91-9711118331 or email at [email protected]. You can also download our free Android App or IOS app.
How to take metformin?
Take metformin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Take metformin with a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
What are the side effects of metformin?
low blood sugar; nausea, upset stomach; or. diarrhea. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Metformin side effects (more detail)
Can you stop metformin if you have ketoacidosis?
metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment). If you need to have surgery or any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin. Be sure your caregivers know ahead of time that you are using this medication.
Can you take metformin while pregnant?
Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking metformin.
Can you stop taking metformin?
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin. Though extremely rare, you may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood.
Can metformin cause lactic acidosis?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to metformin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some people using this medicine develop lactic acidosis, which can be fatal.
Why is metformin used in diabetes?
Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems.
How to report metformin side effects in Canada?
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions. See also Warning section. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to metformin; or if you have any other allergies.
Why do you need to consult your doctor for lactic acidosis?
Consult your doctor because increased stress may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing. Older adults may be at greater risk for side effects such as low blood sugar or lactic acidosis. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
Can metformin be used in breast milk?
Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while using this medication. Metformin passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Interactions. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects.
Does metformin cause low blood sugar?
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Metformin does not usually cause low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ). Low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications.
Can drug interactions change your medication?
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Can metformin cause lactic acidosis?
Warnings: Rarely, too much metformin can build up in the body and cause a serious (sometimes fatal) condition called lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is more likely if you are an older adult, if you have kidney or liver disease, dehydration, heart failure, heavy alcohol use, if you have surgery, if you have X-ray or scanning procedures ...
Administration
Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes.
May Treat: Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Brand Names: Glucophage · Fortamet · Glumetza · Glucophage XR · Riomet and more
Drug Class: Insulin Response Enhancers - Biguanides
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Brand Names: Glucophage · Fortamet · Glumetza · Glucophage XR · Riomet and more
Drug Class: Insulin Response Enhancers - Biguanides
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
- If available, read the patient package insert
- Best to take with food to lessen stomach upset
- Seek medical care if breathing trouble occurs
- If available, read the patient package insert
- Best to take with food to lessen stomach upset
- Seek medical care if breathing trouble occurs
- Tell MD of this drug use before X-ray type tests
- Check blood glucose levels regularly
- Diet and exercise will improve therapy response
- For solution, oral products : Measure dose using a dosing spoon/cup/syringe.
- For suspension, extended release, recon products : Shake well & measure with dosing spoon/cup/syringe.
- For tablet products : Reduce or limit drinking alcohol. Take at same time daily. Drink plenty of fluids.
- For tablet, extended release 24 hr products : Call doctor if you feel faint or sweaty/confused. Do not chew or crush. OK to split tablet if scored.
Treatment
Diet
Prevention
- Metformin comes as a liquid, a tablet, and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. The liquid is usually taken with meals one or two times a day. The regular tablet is usually taken with meals two or three times a day. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once dail…
Diagnosis
- Your doctor may start you on a low dose of metformin and gradually increase your dose not more often than once every 12 weeks. You will need to monitor your blood sugar carefully so your doctor will be able to tell how well metformin is working. Metformin controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take metformin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking metformin witho…
Risks
- Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthful diet.
Preparation
- Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toi…