How Does Metformin Work?

Apr 21, 2010 | By Jennifer Marie

What is Metformin?

All body tissues require a certain amount of glucose to produce energy, and in diabetes, too much glucose is in the blood. This can cause damage to the tissues and organs if not controlled closely. Metformin is a common medicine prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes, although it can be prescribed for other conditions. It is an oral medicine in the form of a pill that helps control blood sugar. It may be used in addition to insulin in people with diabetes for optimal blood glucose control.

Glucose Effects

According to the National Library of Medicine, metformin helps control the amount of glucose, commonly known as sugar, in the blood. A certain amount of glucose is made and stored in the liver, and eventually is secreted in the blood stream to keep blood glucose at a normal level. Metformin decreases the amount the liver creates and spills into the blood. It also decreases the amount of glucose absorbed from carbohydrates in the food we eat. All carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, and if too much is in the blood stream and not used, it can be converted and stored as fat.

Insulin Effects

Cells need insulin in order to utilize the glucose in the blood for energy. In diabetes, high amounts of glucose in the blood can cause cells to become resistant to the insulin. This causes the high amounts of blood glucose to be converted and stored as fat. Metformin acts by increasing the sensitivity of the cells in response to insulin. This will help the cells utilize the glucose for energy instead of building up in the blood or fat cells.

Timing Effects

Taking the tablet regularly will optimize effects. Metformin comes in a regular tablet which is usually taken two or three times a day. It also comes in an extended-release tablet. Usually metformin is taken with meals. This will help the body utilize the carbohydrates, which turn into glucose, from each meal eaten throughout the day. Ultimately this will help regulate the blood glucose by not letting it elevate above recommended levels.