Metformin
Metformin is an oral medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the pancreas's inability to produce sufficient insulin. It is often the first treatment option for newly diagnosed patients and can also be prescribed in combination with other medications for enhanced effectiveness. Metformin is derived from the herb Galega officinalis and has a long history as a natural remedy before being synthesized in the early 20th century. Its primary function is to lower blood sugar levels by reducing glucose production in the liver and increasing glucose storage in muscle cells, helping to manage insulin levels as well.
Available in various forms, including tablets and liquid solutions, metformin typically requires a prescription and is taken one to three times daily. While it is well-tolerated by most patients, it can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, which are often mitigated by taking the medication with food. Additionally, metformin may assist with weight loss, a beneficial effect for many individuals with diabetes, as managing weight is crucial for reducing associated health risks. The medication's approval timeline varied, with its use in Europe beginning in the 1960s and U.S. approval following in 1995. Overall, metformin is one of the most widely prescribed medications globally for diabetes management.
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Metformin
Metformin is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is usually the first drug tried to treat a patient newly diagnosed with the condition. There are also medications that include metformin in combination with another drug; this can sometimes provide better results for the patient. Metformin is one of the most prescribed medications in the world.
Overview
Metformin is one of a number of different medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. This condition is the result of high blood sugar levels. In diabetics, the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin. Insulin is the hormone that controls blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes can lead to many health problems, including increased risks of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, skin conditions, infections, and nerve and vision problems. While mild cases can sometimes be treated with lifestyle changes to diet and physical activity, most patients require medication.
Metformin originated from the herb Galega officinalis, which was a natural treatment used for hundreds of years for a number of different conditions. In the first decades of the twentieth century, French researchers discovered a version of the active ingredient galegine, and in 1922, Irish scientists were able to create the first synthetic version of metformin. In 1957, another version of the drug called Glucophage (a name that means "glucose eater") was developed in France. It was shown to work well in decreasing blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. However, an early form of the drug called phenformin sometimes caused a condition called lactic acidosis, which is often fatal. This caused some physicians to avoid using any version of phenformin. This concern over phenformin delayed the use of metformin. Although the medication was approved for use in Europe in the 1960s, metformin did not gain approval in the United States until 1995.
Sold under various brand names, including Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Glumetza, and Riomet, metformin works by reducing the amount of glucose, a form of sugar, stored in the liver. Metformin triggers AMP-activated protein kinase, or AMPk, an enzyme found in the cells of all mammals that helps cells process glucose for storage. This helps increase the amount of another form of glucose called glycogen in the muscles. It also decreases the amount of fatty acids and cholesterol manufactured by the liver. Together, these changes help reduce the amount of glucose and insulin in the patient.
The use of metformin requires a physician's prescription. The drug comes in tablets, extended release tablets, and a liquid solution. It is usually taken between one and three times a day in doses ranging between 500 milligrams and 2,000 milligrams. The dosage depends in part on the patient's diet and exercise habits.
Metformin can cause side effects, the most notable of which is gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pains. These can be minimized by taking the medication with food and by starting with a low dose of 500 milligrams and increasing the medication slowly until the desired results are achieved. Metformin can also cause a metallic taste in the mouth and prevent the body from absorbing vitamin B12. Metformin can sometimes have a side effect of promoting weight loss. This can be desirable for diabetics, since obesity increases the risk of complications from the condition.
Bibliography
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