METFORMIN plays a vital role in managing diabetes and achieving good control of blood sugar levels by delaying the absorption of sugar and increasing insulin sensitivity in the body. METFORMIN does not cause a sudden lowering of the blood glucose level or cause significant hypoglycaemia. Unlike other anti-diabetic therapies like sulfonylureas or insulin, METFORMIN does not cause weight gain but may cause modest weight loss. In the prediabetic condition, METFORMIN is the only recommended treatment available. METFORMIN also helps to prevent serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage (Diabetic Nephropathy), blindness (Diabetic Retinopathy), loss of sensation in your hands and feet (Diabetic Neuropathy) or even loss of foot! METFORMIN also helps to reduce your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
Usually, METFORMIN does not cause very significant side effects. Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, or a metallic taste in the mouth. In very rare cases, it may cause a condition known as lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the body) with symptoms like dizziness, drowsiness, muscle pain, etc. Your sugar level may go down while taking this medicine with heavy exercise, drinking excessive alcohol, or skipping meals. Talk to the doctor about any of the health conditions listed above that may require urgent medical treatment.
METFORMIN works best when coupled with a healthy lifestyle like losing weight if you are overweight (BMI >25), eating fewer calories (low fat and sugary food), and being more physically active (at least 150 min of activity every week).
