Metformin is a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by controlling the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood through several mechanisms:
- It decreases the amount of glucose absorbed from food in the intestines.
- It reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
- It increases the body's sensitivity and response to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels
Because of these effects, metformin helps lower blood sugar levels without causing weight gain, which is a common issue with some other diabetes medications. It usually does not cause hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) on its own
. Besides diabetes, metformin is also used to improve fertility and manage symptoms in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by lowering insulin and blood sugar levels, which can help regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles
. Metformin is available in various forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets, and is often prescribed when diet and exercise alone are insufficient to control blood sugar
. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. A rare but serious side effect is lactic acidosis, which requires urgent medical attention
. In summary, metformin helps manage type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar through decreased liver glucose production, reduced intestinal glucose absorption, and improved insulin sensitivity, with additional uses in conditions like PCOS
