Metformin is a diabetes drug that can lower blood sugar, stabilizing glucose and insulin levels. Once insulin levels are regulated, you may have fewer cravings and eat less food. A reduction in overall calories can lead to weight loss. The active ingredient in Glucophage extended release tablets, abbreviated XR, is metformin. Glucophage XR 500 mg is the smaller of two doses available; the other available pill is 750 mg. The strength of your dose should be determined by your doctor, based on your regular diet and exercise habits.
Healthy Weight Loss
To lose weight you must eat fewer calories than you need, forcing your body to convert stored fat back into energy. You need to cut 3,500 calories from your diet to lose one pound of fat -- about 500 calories every day to lose a pound weekly. Increasing your physical activity level can help burn calories as well. It's important that you eat at least 1,200 to 1,500 calories daily to keep your metabolism functioning. If your metabolism slows because you don't consume enough calories, your weight loss will stall.
Metformin
Metformin was developed to help treat Type 2 diabetes, and should not be used by people with Type 1 diabetes. The drug works by decreasing the amount of glucose your body can produce, which will lower insulin levels because your pancreas only releases insulin in response to glucose. Additionally, metformin can increase your body's sensitivity to insulin, lessening insulin resistance and allowing your body to use less insulin to move glucose from your bloodstream into your cells.
Glucophage XR
Metformin is sold under several different brand names, including Glucophage, Fortamet and Riomet. Glucophage is available as a liquid or tablet, but Glucophage XR is only available as a tablet because it's designed as an extended release version of the drug. Meant to be taken only once a day, it's usually consumed with your evening meal. It's important not to chew, crush or split Glucophage XR; each action would allow the medication to be absorbed more quickly, perhaps dangerously.
Warnings
The most serious potential side effect of metformin is lactic acidosis -- too much lactic acid in your body. Symptoms could include a numbness or cold feeling in your arms or legs, muscle weakness or pain, stomach pain, cramps, vomiting or a slow or irregular heartbeat. Metformin can also cause low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Signs of hypoglycemia are hunger, fatigue, mood swings, headache, dizziness or anxiety. Although lactic acidosis requires immediate medical attention, effects of hypoglycemia can often be resolved by eating 15 g of simple carbs, anything your body can easily convert to glucose.
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