The body may stop producing insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, and this results in type 1…. Diabetes is an ongoing condition in which the body either produces too little insulin or does not use insulin effectively. Management includes…. To maintain the right amount of blood sugar, the body needs insulin, a hormone that delivers this sugar to the cells. When insulin is lacking, blood…. Timing Function How to tell if it works Checkups If it is ineffective Contacting a doctor Side effects Other drugs Summary Metformin is an oral medication that can help treat type 2 diabetes in combination with lifestyle changes.
How long does it take to work? How does metformin work? How to tell if metformin is effective. How doctors check the effects. What to do if blood sugar remains high. Low glycemic index foods Medium glycemic index foods High glycemic index foods Spelt bread White or whole wheat pita bread White or whole wheat bread Steel cut oats Instant, quick, or large flake oats Certain breakfast cereals, like Corn Flakes Barley Couscous Jasmine rice Sweet potato Cooled potato Hot potato.
When to contact a doctor. Side effects of metformin. Other drug alternatives. Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery? Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Diabetic ketoacidosis: What to know.
Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. What medication is available for diabetes? Medically reviewed by Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm. How does high blood sugar hyperglycemia feel? Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes. Metformin comes as a liquid, a tablet, and an extended-release long-acting tablet to take by mouth.
The liquid is usually taken with meals one or two times a day. The regular tablet is usually taken with meals two or three times a day. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once daily with the evening meal. To help you remember to take metformin, take it around the same time s every day.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metformin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of metformin and gradually increase your dose not more often than once every 1—2 weeks. You will need to monitor your blood sugar carefully so your doctor will be able to tell how well metformin is working.
Metformin controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take metformin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking metformin without talking to your doctor. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian.
It is important to eat a healthful diet. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Metformin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat, and moisture not in the bathroom. You may also need to eat a starchy carbohydrate, like a sandwich or a biscuit, to maintain your blood sugar for longer.
If taking in sugar does not help or the hypo symptoms come back, contact your doctor or the nearest hospital. Make sure your friends and family know about your diabetes and the symptoms of low blood sugar levels so they can recognise a hypo if it happens. It's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to metformin. These are not all the side effects of metformin.
For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet. If you're taking any of the following medicines, your blood sugar levels may need to be checked more often and your dose adjusted:.
Some women might need a small adjustment in their metformin dose after starting contraceptive pills. That's because contraceptive pills change how your body handles sugar. There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements with metformin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. Metformin stimulates ovulation in women with PCOS and can encourage regular periods, even if you do not have diabetes.
Metformin is not licensed to treat PCOS specifically, but it can sometimes be prescribed to improve fertility. You may have to see a specialist doctor for this. You may not have any symptoms of diabetes, so you will not necessarily feel any different when you take metformin. Metformin will help keep your blood sugar level stable and reduce your chances of diabetes-related problems in the future.
Metformin is safe to take for a long time. It will not make you put on weight, and may even help you lose some weight. You may need more checks if you're an older person or your kidneys are not working normally.
Metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency if you take it for a long time. Treatment for diabetes is usually for life. But if your kidneys are not working properly, your doctor will tell you to stop taking metformin. If you have diabetes , you're entitled to free prescriptions for all of your medicines, not just your diabetes ones.
The application form for the medical exemption certificate is called FP92A. You can get this from your doctor's surgery. Metformin will not affect the combined pill or emergency contraception. But some women might need a small adjustment in their metformin dose after starting contraceptive pills. There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking metformin will reduce fertility in either men or women.
But speak to a pharmacist or a doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking metformin a few days before having an operation or medical tests. A general anaesthetic that puts you to sleep can also hide low blood sugar. Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking metformin, but it's best for men and women to drink no more than 2 units per day.
A standard glass of wine ml is 2 units. A pint of lager or beer is usually 2 to 3 units of alcohol. Be careful eating food and drink containing karela. This is because it can lower your blood sugar levels and mean your diabetes is not controlled as well as it should be.
Karela also called bitter gourd is used to flavour foods, such as curries like bitter gourd masala. If your blood sugar levels are stable, taking metformin should not affect your ability to drive, cycle or use machinery and tools. Metformin itself will not make your blood sugar levels too low, but your doctor might prescribe it alongside other medicines for diabetes that can affect your blood sugar.
Metformin is usually prescribed when diet and exercise alone has not been enough to control your blood sugar levels. Page last reviewed: 8 February Next review due: 8 February Metformin On this page About metformin Key facts Who can and cannot take metformin How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.
We take a look at a number of ways for people to lower their blood sugar levels. Options include lifestyle changes, diet, and natural remedies. Can people with type 2 diabetes stop taking metformin? Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Side effects of taking metformin. Share on Pinterest Metformin may cause digestive problems. Reasons for stopping metformin. Share on Pinterest Regular exercise and losing excess weight can help reduce the need for metformin.
Risks of stopping metformin. Stopping metformin safely. Share on Pinterest A doctor can offer advice for stopping metformin safely. Alternative options. Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery? Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What medication is available for diabetes? Medically reviewed by Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm.
Can I use metformin during pregnancy? Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD. Natural ways to improve insulin sensitivity. Medically reviewed by Maria S.
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