Diabetes is the ninth leading cause of death globally and currently has no cure. It is estimated that currently 1 in 11 adults worldwide suffer from diabetes, a number that will reach 590 million affected by 2035. Of these, more than 85% suffer from type 2 diabetes. In this article we will let you know What is metformin used for?
Metformin is the most prescribed medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes , which occurs because the body is not producing enough insulin and/or tolerating the effects of insulin due to constant exposure to high levels of insulin.
In this article, we will discuss what metformin is, how and what it is used for, as well as its possible side effects derived from its consumption.
What is Metformin?
Metformin is an antidiabetic medication used to lower blood glucose levels. It belongs to the biguanides family, medicines derived from the Galega officinalis plant, whose anti-glycemic properties have been known since the beginning of the 20th century.
Despite the usefulness of biguanides, their use as a diabetes drug was initially on the back burner due to the commercialization of insulin . It was introduced in France in 1957 and its medical use was approved in the USA in 1995. It is currently the most widely used drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
How it works?
Metformin lowers blood glucose levels. Although the exact mechanism by which metformin works is still unclear, we do know that this blood glucose lowering effect is due to:
- Decreased release of glucose from the liver
- Improved glucose uptake by muscle cells
- Improved absorption of glucose into erythrocytes
- Inhibition of intestinal glucose absorption
- Changes in the gut microbiota
These mechanisms cause a clear decrease in the hyperglycemic levels of patients using it, without increasing insulin production or increasing the weight of patients, the latter being a common effect of other drugs used in the treatment of diabetes.
Uses
Currently, as we commented, metformin is mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes. Even so, there are medical professionals who prescribe it to reduce the obesity of patients, whether they are diabetic or not. This use of metformin is controversial, due to the side effects that this drug can generate.
Its consumption is oral and should be taken with meals to minimize side effects, such as:
- Nausea
- To vomit
- Abdominal pain
- Flatulence
- Diarrhea
Daily doses of metformin greater than 2g should be avoided . When starting treatment, it is recommended to start with the lowest possible doses and gradually increase them according to the patient’s needs.
Secundary effects
The side effects of metformin are several, some of them very serious, although their incidence is rare. Grouped according to their rarity, they would be:
1. Very common side effects
We would discover the above mentioned side effects that subside as our body gets used to the treatment and we take the daily dose in conjunction with meals. Again, these would be vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.
2. Common side effects
One in ten people taking metformin will experience changes in their sense of taste while taking this medicine.
3. Uncommon side effects
It is estimated that 1 in every 10,000 people on metformin treatment may have their liver function altered , the main visible symptom of which is a yellow tint to the skin and/or eyes. Also in this range we find skin eruptions, with redness or itching.
As rare but serious side effects, we would find lactic acidosis – an increase in blood lactic acid that is potentially lethal if not treated -, in addition to a drastic reduction in the levels of vitamin B12, necessary for the proper functioning of the system. nervous system .
The main initial symptoms of lactic acidosis are not specific, but usually present with unexplained tiredness and muscle weakness, in addition to severe cramps. Those with reduced kidney function are at particular risk of suffering from lactic acidosis, for whom the use of metformin is not recommended due to the inherent risk of lactic acidosis.
On the other hand, reduced levels of vitamin B12 cause a myriad of symptoms if this deficiency is severe. We would find cases of depression, personality disorders, memory problems, gastrointestinal problems, muscle weakness and vision loss.
In addition, although it has not been conclusively demonstrated and more research is needed to confirm or deny this fact, there is study of metformin’s ability to increase the risk of heart attacks in people who take it.
contraindications
Metformin intake is not indicated for people with liver, kidney problems, who suffer from serious infections or diseases related to reduced oxygen supply, for example cardiac. On the other hand, dehydration and alcohol consumption in large amounts can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Although metformin does not cause hypoglycemia on its own, if taken in conjunction with other medications to treat diabetes, we are at risk of hypoglycemia, very low blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia manifests itself with weakness, dizziness, sweating, increased heart rate, and impaired vision and concentration.
If we suffer from symptoms of hypoglycemia, the consumption of sugary foods can temporarily relieve us.
Metformin should also be discontinued if we are undergoing major surgical procedures or diagnostic tests with iodine-containing contrast agents.
