Metformin is a prescription medication used to control diabetics' blood sugar levels. According to Drugs.com, it can be used with insulin or other diabetes medications to effectively treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin reduces the amount of sugar that the liver creates, limits the amount of sugar absorbed in the body from food and makes insulin receptors more sensitive to natural insulin.
Weight Gain
Metformin may cause rapid weight gain, states Drugs.com. This occurs because metformin allows glucose, or sugar, to easily enter the body's cells, including fat cells. Because fat cells are now more responsive to the effects of insulin, glucose can easily enter fat cells and result in weight gain. Thus, diabetic patients must avoid foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates to avoid unnecessary weight gain. In addition, patients should adhere to a regular exercise program to effectively manage weight, and should see a doctor if there is a noticeable increase in weight without an increase in food intake.
Weakness
Weakness is another side effect associated with metformin use. This occurs because the incorrect dose of metformin may move too much glucose into the body's cells, which results in low amounts of glucose in the blood. Because levels of sugar in the blood are too low, muscles will not have enough fuel to function properly, which results in weakness. Patients experiencing weakness should schedule an appointment with their doctor to have the dosage of metformin or other diabetes medications properly adjusted to avoid weakness.
Nausea and Vomiting
The side effects of nausea and vomiting occur because metformin reduces the amount of carbohydrates, or large sugar chains, that the stomach processes, states Drugs.com. This alteration in digestion may cause a diabetic patient to experience nausea and vomiting, in addition to diarrhea, gas or stomach pain. Patients should eat physician-recommended foods to avoid digestive system side effects.
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