Metformin is an oral prescription medication that is used to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Drugs.com notes that metformin can be used on its own or in combination with other medications. Popular brand names for this medication include Glucophage and Fortamet.
Effects on the Liver
Metformin works by reducing the liver's production of glucose. Normally, the liver uses nutrients to create a reserve or storage supply of glucose. During times of stress or hunger, the liver releases this glucose to the blood, to fuel the muscles and brain with energy. Metformin suppresses the production of glucose, thereby helping to decrease glucose levels in the blood.
Effects on the Intestines
Metformin decreases blood glucose by slowing the absorption of dietary carbohydrates or glucose from the intestines. Drugs.com notes that this prevents patients' levels of blood glucose from spiking after eating a meal, which allows better glucose control for diabetics.
Effects on Muscles and Tissues
According to MedBroadCast.com, metformin increases the sensitivity of the body's tissues and cells to insulin. The hormone insulin is produced by the pancreas and functions to deliver glucose from food into the cells where it can be used for energy. A condition called "insulin resistance" occurs in type 2 diabetes, such that the body is producing insulin but the body becomes less sensitive to it, which causes the pancreas to secrete more and more insulin. Chronically high levels of insulin and blood glucose contribute to heart disease, infertility, obesity and some cancers, in addition to the development of type 2 diabetes. Metformin helps to move the glucose into the body's cells, without the need for excess insulin.
Prevent or Delay Type 2 Diabetes
According to a study published in 2001 in the journal "Pediatrics," metformin may even help to prevent diabetes in people who are at risk for developing the disease, such as people with a family history of type 2 diabetes, people with elevated blood glucose, and people who are obese. The study showed that people with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes who took metformin had a reduction in fasting blood glucose and insulin levels.
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