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Metformin Explained - what is metformin and should I be taking it?

  • Writer: Admin
    Admin
  • Dec 22, 2022
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 12

Many of my interns, friends, and patients ask me about the miracle drug Metformin - what is it? Is it safe? Is it natural? Does it really make a difference?


Keep reading to better understand what Metformin is, where is comes from, and its approved applications.


What is Metformin?


Combine this medication with a healthy diet and regular exercise for optimized blood sugar control


A medication used primarily for blood sugar control and weight-management. This medication, combined with a nutritious diet and regular exercise can be transformative.


How does Metformin work?


  • Decreases LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (1)

  • Decreases glucose production in the liver (1)

  • Increases responsiveness to insulin (1)


What are the Pros and Cons of taking Metformin?


PROS of taking metformin:


  • No long-term side effects

  • Affordable (~$10–$15) without insurance (1)

  • Derived from a plant (French lilac)

  • Approved for children 10+ years old


Cons of taking metformin:


  • Possible side effects when first starting Metformin (for the first 2 weeks):

    • Nausea

    • Diarrhea

    • Bloating

    • If you're having any GI side effects, try taking your medication with a meal (2)

  • If taking long-term, elevated risk for B12 deficiency


Additional Facts about Metformin


  • Typically the first medication prescribed after diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes (2,3)

  • Approved by the FDA in 1994 for treating type 2 Diabetes (2)

  • Can lower A1c by 1%–2%

  • Lowest dosage: 500 mg

  • Highest dosage: 2500 mg

  • Metformin is also often prescribed as a treatment option for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) (2,4)

  • To minimize side effects: Take XR version (extended release) and with a meal (2)

  • Researchers are studying metformin for its possible anti-aging, anti-cancer, and neuro-protective effects (2,4)

  • Metformin is excreted in the urine and has a half-life of approximately 6.2 hours. (2)


Who should consider taking Metformin?


Approved Populations:


  • Type 2 Diabetes

  • Prediabetes

  • Obesity

  • PCOS


Pending Applications:


  • Cardiovascular Disease

  • Liver Disease

  • Anti-aging

  • Cancer


Why Consider Metformin?


Long-term, unresolved high blood sugar can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and/or loss of vision.


Any Further Questions?



Resources


1. Lv, Z., et al. (2020). Frontiers in Endocrinology. 15 April 2020 Sec. Cellular Endocrinology. Volume 11 - 2020 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00191


2. Corcoran C, Jacobs TF. Metformin. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518983/


3. Gu, S., et al. (2015). Comparison of Glucose Lowering Effect of Metformin and Acarbose in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis. Published: May 11, 2015. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0126704


4. Wang YW, He SJ, Feng X, Cheng J, Luo YT, Tian L, Huang Q. Metformin: a review of its potential indications. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2017 Aug 22;11:2421-2429. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S141675. PMID: 28860713; PMCID: PMC5574599. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860713/


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