Metformin is an oral medication which is classified as a biguanide. It is most often used for the management of type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise are not adequate in controlling high blood sugar levels. Metformin has an extensive safety record and medical research has proven that the medication is as good or better at controlling blood sugar levels when compared to other oral antidiabetic medication. When regularly taken, it decreases the amounts of glucose produced by the liver so that the body’s blood sugar levels are lowered. This medication also leads to a decrease in glucose absorption from the intestines and increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin so that it can be used more efficiently and effectively. However, as with all good news, there is a caveat. This medication comes with a lot of bothersome side effects which can be hard to manage. But there are many ways to lessen the side effects of Metformin or, in some cases, avoid them altogether so you can benefit from its stabilizing abilities without any unnecessary trouble.
The most common side effects of Metformin are gastrointestinal. Nausea and/or vomiting may occur in around seven to twenty-six percent of patients while diarrhea is usually experienced by fifty-three percent of patients. These gastrointestinal side effects are usually temporary and lessen over a few weeks’ time, eventually going away on their own.
Metformin may possibly reduce the absorption of the vitamin B 12. An estimated seven percent of individuals who are undergoing treatment with Metformin experience reduced levels of vitamin B 12. A physician can easily monitor your vitamin levels, keeping a close eye on your B 12 levels, and determine if you might require a B 12 injection.
Headaches are experienced as a side effect by six percent of individuals taking Metformin. Dizziness and/or lightheadedness are experienced by five percent of patients while nine percent of patients report some weakness as a result of the medication. Because of these particular side effects, you ought to use caution while driving or performing other activities requiring alertness until you are more familiar with how the medication affects your body. And if any of these particular symptoms become increasingly severe or are accompanied by a fever then contact your doctor immediately.
When you first start taking Metformin, you will likely lose some weight as the medication can cause feelings of fullness and a loss of appetite. If you start taking the medication while following a strict diet and exercise plan, then you may see a significant reduction in weight. This is a more desirous side effect as it is strongly suggested that diabetics lose weight so that their bodies have better control of their glucose levels and an improved insulin resistance.
Sources:
http://pcosra.com/surviving-metformin/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/261274-metformin-side-effects-on-the-heart/
http://www.rxeconsult.com/healthcare-articles/How-To-Prevent-And-Manage-Metformin-Side-Effects-974/