If a change in your lifestyle through activity and eating habit is not enough to control your diabetes or triglyceride levels, your doctor may recommend a medication. Metformin may be a positive choice for your condition. This medication works in a different way from other diabetes medications. And its benefits extend beyond blood glucose control.
Function
Metformin works by influencing the insulin receptors on fat and muscle cells. When your blood glucose increases, your pancreas secretes insulin. Insulin connects to the receptors on the outside of cells to facilitate the movement of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells that need it. When diabetes occurs, your cells become resistant to insulin, which results in less blood glucose moving from the blood and into cells. Metformin increases the number of insulin receptors and their sensitivity to insulin, making insulin more effective in the transfer of glucose from the blood and into cells.
Impact
Metformin not only helps improve blood glucose, but also improves health by reducing another powerful risk factor in the development of heart disease -- triglycerides. Metformin has an impact on high triglycerides and cholesterol -- conditions that often accompany diabetes.
Weight Loss
One potential mechanism that may allow Metformin to decrease triglycerides is its effect on body weight. Those on Metformin experience a reduction in appetite that leads to weight loss. Metformin is also effective at decreasing the amount of body fat a person has. These effects can help lower triglyceride levels.
Significance
Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for diabetics, according to Diabetes Self Management. High triglycerides contribute to the development of heart disease and may also be a sign of other underlying risk factors for atherosclerosis. Diabetes, high triglycerides, excess body fat and high cholesterol are all risk factors in the development of cardiovascular disease. Metformin gives you the ability to treat these conditions in one pill, thus reducing your risk of heart disease.
References
- "Anatomy and Physiology"; Kenneth S. Saladin; 2004
- Life Extension: The Multiple Benefits of Metformin; September 2001
- Diabetes Self Management.com: Metformin; May 2006
- MayoClinic.com: Triglycerides: Why Do They Matter?; June 2011
