Metformin reduce blood sugar levels and treat type 2 diabetes

Popular diabetes medication Metformin is a blood glucose regulator. Metformin an oral anti-diabetic drug is part of the biguanide class and is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for type 2 diabetics. Metformin has the ability to dramatically improve the condition of diabetics by tackling diabetes and can also reduce cholesterol. Metformin reduces blood sugar levels (glucose) in a triple action method. This consists of:

1. Lowering the level of glucose produced in the liver 2. Lowering the level of glucose absorbed from food by means of your stomach 3. Developing the efficacy of insulin in the body in lowering glucose that exists in the blood.
Diabetes types I and II are becoming increasingly common with type II form being most prevalent in the elderly. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder whereby the pancreas is incapable of producing satisfactory amounts of insulin to prevent hyperglycemia. This is then followed by diabetic symptoms of blurry vision, weight loss, excessive thirst and continuous fluid drinking amongst others.
By improving how the body handles insulin, Metformin helps reduce blood sugar levels. This is achieved through preventing the liver from producing excess glucose by making muscle and fat cells increasingly sensitive to insulin that is available.
Not only does Metformin reduce glucose the long term cause of diabetes, but it can also reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and still prevent weight gain unlike other blood-glucose lowering drugs which are unable to do. High levels of overweight, cholesterol and triglyceride all increase the risk of forming heart disease, which is the top cause of death in those suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Moreover Metformin prevents hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) when it is the sole diabetic medicine taken.
The performance of Metformin is different to other anti-diabetic drugs like sulfonylureas (e.g., Glyburide, Diabinase, Micronase, etc). Sulfonylureas perform by raising the output of insulin from the pancreas. After some time this can result in the failure of the pancreas thus changing a Type 2 diabetic who is non-insulin dependant into a Type I that is insulin dependant.

Metformin - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Diabetes treatment Metformin has proven to reduce blood sugar levels and is now frequently being prescribed for women who suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Metformin is an insulin-sensitizing biguanide that is regularly being used for treatment of raised blood glucose levels in those who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. Metformin is often used by PCOS sufferers as an off label prescription. This method was initially used by individuals with type 2 diabetes however now it is being prescribed for PCOS sufferers due to its similar performance in both of the groups.

If you are suffering from PCOS you could be resistant to insulin.  PCOS diminishes the cells ability to respond to the performance of insulin in carrying glucose from the blood stream through to the tissues and muscles.

 Metformin has the ability to improve the response cell’s have to insulin and therefore aid the movement of glucose into the cells. Due to this the body is not needed to produce as much insulin.

PCOS can be accompanied by a range of symptoms that include disturbances to the metabolism (gaining of weight), reproductive disorders (anoyulation, infertility, irregular menses and polycystic ovaries) and hyperandrogenism (acne, alopecia and hirsutism).

One particular study concerning 39 women who were suffering from PCOS and hyperinsulinemia which is an additional insulin in the blood saw them being treated with Metformin. Women with PCOS experienced a fall in insulin along with a free testosterone which resulted in considerable improvements in clinical symptoms of Hyperandrogenism (extra androgen production in females) and menstrual cycle. 

Nevertheless studies have also shown that through alterations in diet, lifestyle and loss of weight are on their own successful for controlling menstrual cycles and present improvements to hyperandrogenism.

Predominantly the ingredients within Metformin are successful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes having the ability to reduce blood sugar levels.

Metformin produce insulin in a body and reduce blood sugar levels

Highly effective and popular oral diabetes drug Metformin is an aid for Type 2 diabetes. Metformin performs by reducing blood sugar levels that is produced in the liver and by making body cells more sensitive to insulin. Other than aiding diabetes metformin’s other beneficial effects consist of promoting weight loss and assisting to lower blood lipid or fat levels, (better known as cholesterol and triglycerides). 

Metformin was the first (in 1994) to be approved by the US FDA for having the ability to reduce blood sugar levels in the following ways. It can lower the amount of glucose that is created in the liver in addition to the amount absorbed through the stomach. By lowering existing blood glucose levels it can improve the effectiveness of insulin in the body. However when used alone it does not increase the strength of blood insulin neither does it produce excessively low blood glucose amounts.

A study published by the American Diabetes Association revealed metformin was able to reduce the fasting plasma glucose concentration by -60 to -70 mg/dl in those who had non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetes. Metformin can also lower haemoglobin A1C levels (blood measurement of glycosylation). One of the most damaging effects of diabetes is protein degradation which is triggered by the forming of advanced glycated end products. A decline in serum haemoglobin A1C is a good indicator for regular glucose control in diabetics.

Recently there has been some evidence over vitamin b12 deficiency in those who take metformin.

As Metformin can inhibit the uptake of Vitamin B12 a B12 supplement is recommended.

Vitamin B12 plays a number of important roles in the body which include:

1. Being largely responsible for creating, maintaining and repairing red blood cells 2.    Allows a smoother functioning of the healthy nervous system 3. Controls Homocysteine levels, a deficiency in Vitamin B12 would result in hematological conditions thus increasing the risk of stroke heart diseases and osteoporosis 4. Promotes healthy Skin & Hair 5. Promotes absorption of folic acid which is essential for the synthesis of red blood cells in the body 6. Aids weight loss through speeding the metabolism process, therefore burning more calories 7. Promotes a healthy pregnancy as pregnant women require a higher quantity of Vitamin B12 8. Helps combat mental decline 9 .Treats depression by promoting activity of hormones and neurotransmitters that can influence your mood and emotional state, 10. Allows better sleep by enhancing the production of Melatonin The bringing together of Metformin and Vitamin B12 makes a good combination to fight diabetes 

Treat Diabetes with Metformin

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels in blood. There are three main types of diabetes- type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, and pre diabetes. Adults face type 2 diabetes. It is characterized by symptoms of increased thirst, urination, blurred vision, and fatigue. Along with medication, it is very important to monitor diet that must include fresh fruits and vegetables. People with diabetes generally have a ken that they should cut down sweets and other desserts because it can aggravate diabetes. This is one of the greatest myths. Glucose levels in body can be increased by anything we eat, as food taken by us gets broken down into glucose. If untreated, it can lead to serious repercussions like kidney failure, heart failure, and nerve damage.

Metformin is a new age drug that reduces blood sugar levels, tackles age related diabetes, and lowers cholesterol levels. It works in a unique fashion. It first lowers the amount of glucose produced in the liver, it reduces blood sugar levels of glucose absorbed by the stomach through food, and lastly it increases the effectiveness of insulin in body by reducing the level of glucose already present in blood. This triple action makes it a perfect medication for type 2 diabetic patients. Other glucose lowering products available in market tend to lower blood glucose levels when used alone. 

Metformin, on the other hand does not increase the concentration of insulin in blood, thereby making it safe for diabetic patients. It not only helps in diabetes treatment but also prove beneficial in treating other diabetes related problems like heart diseases, blindness, and kidney failure. According to a research published in 2001, it also helps in preventing the risk of pancreatic cancer in obese people. This drug also dons the role of healthy antioxidants and help people recover from minor ischemic attacks. Metformin also has anti aging benefits. It delays the process of accelerated/ premature aging. With age, people suffer with glucose intolerance. Metformin helps in reducing the risk of premature aging, prevention of sugar cravings, improved body composition, and stabilization of sugar levels.

The dosage should be limited one 500 mg to 850 mg capsule once or twice a day for patients aged 40 years and above. Those suffering with liver and kidney problems should use Metformin only after consulting a certified physician. It has been observed that the diabetes treatment of Metformin can lead to deficiency of Vitamin B12. Supplements for vitamin B12 are recommended. Remember, with proper care and attention, it is possible to live a healthy life with diabetes.

Resources --  Treat Diabetes with Metformin