Metformin is widely used as a treatment for diabetes. However, the benefits of this drug do not end there. Learn about the effects and side effects of metformin.
Those living with type 2 diabetes may be familiar with metformin, an oral medication taken to manage this health condition. This drug works by lowering blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing glucose production by the liver. It is usually the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes because it helps control blood sugar without causing significant weight gain or severe hypoglycemia or hypoglycemia. But metformin’s benefits don’t stop there. Apart from managing diabetes, this drug, also called the ‘magic bullet’, is also used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and for weight loss. Let’s learn about the effects and side effects of metformin, which is not just a diabetes drug.
How does metformin help diabetics?
Metformin helps diabetics by decreasing hepatic glucose production, improving insulin sensitivity, and decreasing glucose absorption in the intestines. “These effects effectively lower blood sugar levels, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes,” says endocrinologist Dr. Jaspreet Singh. It does not cause weight gain and may also aid in weight loss, making it a beneficial option for managing diabetes and preventing weight gain.
What are the health benefits of metformin?
Apart from diabetes management, metformin has several other health benefits.
1. Helps you lose weight
Metformin users who lost more than 5 percent of their body weight in the first year were able to maintain their weight loss for six to 15 years, a study published in the journal Science found. Annual report of internal medicine “Metformin has an appetite-suppressing effect, which can lead to reduced caloric intake and ultimately weight loss,” the experts say.
2. Helps manage polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
According to a 2023 study published in , metformin can be used to treat PCOS because it can significantly reduce androgen levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and regulate menstrual cycles. Creus journal. This drug may also help treat infertility, a common problem associated with PCOS. Research published in journals Frontiers of endocrinology We found that metformin had a positive effect on fertility. Dr. Uhl found that metformin can improve fertility in women with insulin resistance associated with PCOS.
3. Promotes heart health
Metformin may have similar or better cardioprotective effects than other drugs such as pioglitazone and glyburide, according to a study published in . Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine This drug may reduce the risk of myocardial infarction or heart attack. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. “It may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease,” Dr. Singh says.
4. Reduces cancer risk
『 History of translational medicine Metformin contains anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce cancer risk.
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5. Improves liver health
Metformin may be beneficial for people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, according to a study published in . Journal of the American Pharmacists Association “It helps reduce liver inflammation and improve liver function,” experts say.
6. Reduces risk of dementia
Its ability to improve insulin signaling in the brain may help prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia. A study published in found an association between discontinuing metformin treatment and increased incidence of dementia. JAMA network open In 2023.
7. Improves skin health
According to a study published in , metformin may have beneficial effects on inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne, and allergic contact dermatitis. International Journal of Molecular Science In addition to addressing these skin conditions, it may also help improve skin texture.
8. Reduce the risk of long-term infection with the new coronavirus
It may help reduce the long-term risk of COVID-19 infection in diabetic patients. Health records of approximately 76,000 adults who took metformin to manage type 2 diabetes were analyzed as part of a study published in October 2006. diabetes care They were compared to more than 13,000 adults taking other diabetes medications. People who used metformin were up to 21 percent less likely to develop a long-term illness from the coronavirus than people who didn’t take the diabetes drug. The drug may also help people without diabetes avoid long-term coronavirus infections. Research published in lancet infection In 2023, metformin was found to reduce the risk of long-term COVID-19 infection by up to 40 percent in obese or overweight adults. Most of them did not have diabetes.
What are the side effects of metformin?
Although metformin has benefits, it can also have side effects.
1. Gastrointestinal problems
These are some of the common side effects of metformin and often resolve on their own over time. They may include –
- nausea
- diarrhea
- gas
- bloating
- loss of appetite
2. Lactic acidosis
Although rare, it is a dangerous disease that causes fatigue, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and abdominal pain. “People who drink a lot of alcohol or have certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, are more likely to experience this side effect,” experts say.
3. Vitamin B12 deficiency
Metformin can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12. This can lead to anemia, which is caused by a lack of red blood cells in the body, leading to a reduced flow of oxygen to the body’s organs.
Metformin not only helps manage diabetes, but also helps with PCOS, weight loss, and liver and heart health. However, do not take this drug without consulting your doctor, as it may cause gastrointestinal problems.
