Metformin: what it is, how to use it and what it is for

La metformin It is a drug administered, alone or combined with other drugs, in therapies for subjects affected by diabetes mellitus non-insulin-dependent, i.e. the diabetes of type 2. The treatment is widely available, and although it's limited to one type of diabetes, it can restore normalcy for many people. But like any treatment, metformin is not free of side effects and contraindications. Here's everything you need to know before taking this medication.

Index of topics

What

Metformin is a medicine based on metformin, an active ingredient particularly indicated for treat diabetesThis belongs to a larger group of active substances known as biguanides. When taken into the body, the active ingredient plays a role of regulator of sugar metabolism. In this way, the probability of hypoglycemic events occurring is limited, keeping the blood sugar values under control. The drug is administered mainly to address problems related to pancreatic diseases which, in the case of diabetes, could produce less insulin of the normal or theinsulin produced may not be used correctly from the organism. In this way the patient finds himself with some high blood glucose values and dangerous.

What is

Medicine based on metformin hydrochloride It has very specific functions. First of all, acts on blood glucose levels, bringing the values to a threshold as close to normal as possible. On the other hand, the drug is effective in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and is predominantly prescribed when neither the diet in the'physical activity are sufficient to maintain blood sugar levels within the limits. The treatment is particularly suitable for patients in overweightMetformin helps stabilize a person's body weight and in certain cases also has slimming effects, promoting moderate weight loss. In overweight subjects, taking the drug for long periods has also resulted in benefits in terms of reducing the chances of future complications with diabetes.

Benefits

The most significant advantages of the metformin are:

It does not generally cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), unlike other drugs.
It can help to control body weight.
It is associated with cardiovascular benefits in patients with diabetes.

How to administer

La metformin It is sold in Italy in the form of 500 mg or 850 mg tablets. It is administered orally, with a typically low initial dosage (500 mg, once or twice daily), which is then gradually increased based on the patient's tolerance and glycemic response. The maximum dosage is 2.000-3.000 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses. In any case, the doctor must indicate the daily quantities to be taken.

La metformin It should be taken with a glass of water, after or during meals, to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. In any case, the drug is not intended as a substitute for the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.

Formulations

There are two types of formulations of the metformin:

Normal tablets
Extended-release tablets (e.g. Metformin Retard). which should be taken once a day, often in the evening.

What to know before taking it

Before taking metformin, or any medication in general, it's best to consult a doctor or pharmacist for clarification and guidance on how to administer it. Additionally, it's important to rule out any possibility of experiencing future problems. There are cases in which the drug could be harmful and even cause serious conditions such as lactic acidosis.

Controindicazioni

Patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 2) and anyone with any of the following conditions or problems should not take metformin under any circumstances:

Allergy to the active ingredient
Severe dysfunction or kidney failure
Clinical conditions at liver, liver failure or drinks a lot of alcohol
Dehydration
Serious infections (e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis, severe kidney infections, etc.)
Heart failure or had of a recent myocardial infarction

Furthermore, metformin is not recommended for pregnant women and if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed your baby. You can discuss an alternative solution with your doctor that can replace the medication for part or all of your pregnancy.

Effetti collaterali

The most frequently reported side effects following metformin administration are:

lack of appetite
altered taste
gastrointestinal disorders
feeling of nausea
vomiting

In rarer cases, clinical conditions such ashepatitis, itching or erythema and lactic acidosis.

Lactic acidosis

The drug, in rare cases, can cause a pathology known as lactic acidosisThis is a serious medical condition that can be experienced with symptoms such as:

vomiting
muscle cramps
abdominal pain
breathing difficulties
lower body temperature
Slowed cardiac activity

The pathology is more likely to arise in the presence of:

uncontrolled diabetes
un fasting for too long
Assumption of high amounts of alcohol
serious infections
dehydration important
clinical conditions at liver
oxygenation problems in parts of the organism

The disease is serious and can only be treated in hospital by specialist doctors.

Metformin and osteoporosis

Metformin may have a protective effect against osteoporosis. These are the conclusions reached by a group of American researchers in a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Medicine. European Journal of Endocrinology. The research highlights that the protective effect concerns both sexes, and is activated after just six months of treatment.

Metformin: What it's for and how to use it