Metformin is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering high blood sugar levels. It works by improving the body's response to insulin, decreasing glucose absorption from food, and reducing glucose production by the liver
. It is often prescribed when diet and exercise alone are insufficient to control blood sugar. In addition to type 2 diabetes, metformin is also used to:
- Help prevent type 2 diabetes in people at high risk
- Treat gestational diabetes during pregnancy to control blood sugar levels
- Manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), improving fertility and menstrual regularity by lowering insulin and blood sugar levels, although this use is off-label and not officially approved
Metformin is favored because it does not cause weight gain and may even promote weight loss, unlike some other diabetes medications
. It also has a lower risk of causing hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) compared to other drugs
. Beyond diabetes and PCOS, research suggests metformin may have benefits for other conditions such as certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, obesity, liver and renal diseases, and potentially aging, although these uses are still under investigation
. In summary, metformin is mainly used to:
- Treat type 2 diabetes.
- Prevent type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals.
- Manage gestational diabetes.
- Improve symptoms and fertility in PCOS.
It is taken orally and often combined with diet and exercise for optimal blood sugar control
