Benefits of Metformin
Metformin is a first-line oral treatment for type 2 diabetes. It enhances the effects of insulin on the liver and skeletal muscles. Until recently, its benefits weren’t well known; the possible benefits can be applied to a number of different health concerns. Many people are considering it as the Holy Grail of drug discovery
Here are 9 recent discoveries:
1. Decreases oxidative stress in the brain
Oxidative stress is a process that takes place in the brain when there is an imbalance of free radicals. It can lead to a variety of conditions such as dementia, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline. Certain antioxidants can help decrease the effects of oxidative stress. People with diabetes who take metformin have been shown in studies to have a lower risk of dementia. The study was conducted on people prescribed the drug and compared them with a group of type 2 diabetics that were prescribed glipizide or glyburide instead.
2. Longer lifespan
There is now evidence that metformin may prevent lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. It has also been linked to a lifespan increase in mice. However, for humans it is important to note that metformin does not appear to have the same effect in humans as it does in mice.
3. Male fertility improved
It improves sperm motility & reproductive function in males with diabetes. In labs, incubating sperm with metformin increases their ability to fertilize eggs after cryopreservation by expanding the pool of DNA during copulation.
4. Improved female fertility improved
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that involves women who have irregular periods. It is one of the drugs doctors will prescribe for women with PCOS. Adding it to clomiphene increases the chances for women with unexplained infertility to conceive compared to using clomiphene alone.
5. Better gut bacteria
A recent study showed that it can influence the composition of your gut bacteria and help with weight loss.
6. Colon cancer prevention
It is known to protect against colorectal cancer and prevent its occurrence, has been proven by several studies. It has been shown to reduce the risk of premature death among people with diabetes.
8. Prostate cancer treatment
A recent study in mice found that adding the drug to traditional chemotherapy for prostate cancer prohibited cancer development. This could mean that it may add some benefit to androgen deprivation therapies such as Lupron during prostate cancer treatment.
9. Ovarian cancer treatment
It has been shown to have tumor-fighting effects in the treatment of ovarian cancer. An article published in JAMA revealed that if this drug was combined with a chemotherapeutic agent, it had an increased effect and reduced the side-effects.
What Is Metformin?
It is an oral diabetes drug that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. It works by decreasing the amount of glucose released from the liver and reducing the amount of insulin required by the body.
It was first introduced in 1922 and has since then been prescribed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. It is a popular choice because it doesn't cause weight gain, have any serious side effects, or require dietary changes.
More than 30 million people use metformin worldwide. In 2016 it was approved in China for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as well as in India for treating obesity-related conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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About Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells don't respond to insulin. The symptoms of this disease start when blood sugar levels are high for an extended period of time and they can lead to serious health problems.
Diabetes is becoming more and more common in the United States today, with up to 25% of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before the age of 40. This disease affects a lot, as it is responsible for causing 310 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per year, which is more than heart attacks and strokes combined.
Type 2 diabetes is a disorder that occurs when there are two main causes: inadequately controlled blood sugar levels due to heightened insulin resistance or insufficient body production of insulin over time. Type 2 diabetes affects people of all ethnicities and backgrounds, but the risk of developing this disorder is much higher for people with certain traits.
Side Effects
Recall of metformin extended release
On May 3rd of 2020, the Food and Drug Administration recommended that makers of metformin rolling release pills remove some of their U.S. products from the market due to inconsistent quality control methods. The presence of a carcinogen in metformin tablets drew attention. This is because metformin has a level of the cancer-causing agent that is "unacceptable".
If you are currently taking this medication, your healthcare provider will advise if you should continue to take it or if you may need a new prescription.
Metformin is one of the most prescribed medication for controlling blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, there have been several side effects reported.
The more common side effects of metformin include:
- Heartburn
- Gas & bloating
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Headache
- Annoyance due to a metallic taste
The most common side effects of metformin are gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Eating a meal with caffeine or fructose will also reduce these issues. Your doctor is likely to begin your treatment with a low-dose, then gradually increases.
Metformin is sometimes used for the prevention of diabetes in women with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS), but this use is considered off-label. The side effects are the same as when it's prescribed for other purposes.
Please call Superior Compounding Pharmacy in Plymouth Michigan to speak with one of our licensed pharmacists today at 734-404-6065. We can help answer any medication questions that you may have.