Metformin is a prescription oral diabetes medication used to regulate blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, explains Drugs.com. It is often used in conjunction with other diabetes medication to control diabetes. Metformin works at increasing your body's response to insulin and decreases the amount of glucose you absorb from your food. Because of this, an added benefit is that Metformin may help you lose weight.
Step 1
Set up an appointment with your physician. You need to have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes to generally receive a Metformin prescription, although the drug may be prescribed for other medical conditions as well. After a thorough examination, your physician will determine if you are overweight and how much Metformin to prescribe so that your weight loss may be successful.
Step 2
Run laboratory tests. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse reports that diabetes is diagnosed by either a fasting plasma glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test or a random glucose tolerance test. A fasting plasma glucose test measures blood sugar levels on a fasting stomach. This test is an effective indicator of diabetes because of its accuracy. An oral glucose tolerance test is administered after you consume a sugary drink. The test measures how quickly your blood sugars rise and drop after receiving glucose. A random plasma glucose test can be done with or without fasting to determine blood glucose readings. Levels under 100 mg is considered normal; between 100 and 125 mg indicates pre-diabetes; and levels over 126 mg is a diabetes diagnosis. Your doctor will review your results, your current weight, your diabetes type and determine what dosage of Metformin to prescribe.
Step 3
Take Metformin as directed explains PubMed Health. If your physician prescribes Metformin or Metformin Extended-Release, make sure that you do not skip a dose. Take the medication at the same time every day. Be sure to swallow the pill whole and do not chew or break the pill. Swallowing a whole pill will assure it is working effectively to target blood sugar levels and help you lose weight.
Step 4
Take Metformin with a meal. This is important because Metformin works in conjunction with what you eat to help your body regulate blood sugar levels more productively. Be sure to follow the diabetic diet suggested by your physician to achieve maximal results. This includes three to six small well-balanced meals per day that are low in sugar and carbohydrates. It is important to eat healthy while taking Metformin to achieve best results and also lose weight.
Step 5
Monitor your weight and blood glucose levels daily. While taking the medication be sure to monitor your blood glucose levels before and after meals. Record these numbers in a log so you can show your physician. If your blood sugar levels do not level out, he may adjust your dosage to help your body regulate sugar levels and begin to lose weight.
Tips and Warnings
- Eat healthy and follow a regular exercise routine while taking Metformin. Visit your physician regularly while taking Metformin.
- In rare cases, Metformin can cause a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis, explains MedlinePlus. If you feel weak, dizzy, short of breath or develop rapid breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
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