Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood. Diabetes is classified into types based on which portion of the physiological process to control blood sugar is disrupted. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, which is when your cells have a decreased sensitivity to the hormone insulin.
Physiology
When you eat carbohydrates, your digestive system breaks them into glucose, the preferred source of energy for your cells. Glucose travels through your digestive system until it moves through the small intestine into your bloodstream. After glucose enters your bloodstream, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin that attaches to glucose and carries it to your cells so that they can use the sugar for energy. If you're resistant to insulin, your pancreas produces the hormone, but your cells are immune to its effects. As a result, the cells cannot use glucose for energy and the levels of glucose and insulin in your bloodstream rise.
Action of Metformin
According to PubMed, metformin is used to treat the insulin resistance associated with Type 2 diabetes. Metformin can help increase your cells' sensitivity to insulin, which allows the cells to use glucose as energy. Metformin also decreases the amount of glucose that you absorb from the food you eat and decreases the amount of glucose that your liver makes. This can help prevent glucose from accumulating to dangerous levels in your bloodstream.
Dosage
Metformin is available as a liquid, tablet or extended-release tablet. The liquid should be taken one to two times per day with meals, whereas the tablet is usually taken two to three times per day with meals, says Drugs.com. The extended-release tablet is taken only once per day with your evening meal. When taking metformin, you may be started on a small dose and then dosage is increased gradually to allow your body to get used to the action of the medication.
Side Effects
One of the most common side effects of metformin use is low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, MedlinePlus says. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness, shakiness, increased perspiration, weakness, pale skin, hunger, headache, numbness or tingling near the mouth, changes in mood and lightheadedness. Untreated hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness and seizures. Metformin may also cause diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating, gas, constipation, heartburn, metallic taste, headache, cough, runny nose, flushing of the skin, muscle pain, chest pain and rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Warning
According to MedlinePlus, metformin can cause a rare but life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis, which is characterized by extreme fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, shortness of breath, changes in heart rate and flushing of the skin. If you have had a heart attack or stroke or have high blood pressure, you're at an increased risk of developing lactic acidosis. Discuss any medical conditions or current medications with your doctor before taking metformin.
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