Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes



Type 2 diabetes is different from diabetes and is a condition of the body when either the pancreas  produces insufficient amounts of the hormone insulin or the body becomes resistant to normal or even high levels of insulin or both. This leads to increased sugar or glucose levels in the blood thereby leading to a number of complications and problems.

To avoid this condition, it is essential to keep blood sugar levels under control before they reach a dangerous or alarming level. To help treat this condition several different types of oral medicines are available as prescription drugs for type 2 diabetes treatment.

Metformin is one such prescription medicine which is taken orally to reduce blood sugar levels in the body to a normal or optimal level for the proper functioning and health of the vital organs of the body. Though the exact functioning of this diabetes treatment is yet not known clearly, it is been noted that metformin helps in lowering the amount of glucose sent by the liver into the bloodstream by making the the cells of the body more responsive to insulin.

When the cells of the body become more sensitive to insulin they become automatically more adept in removing the excess sugar from the blood effectively. Not only that, metformin has also been observed to reduce blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of glucose or sugar being absorbed by the intestines immediately after eating. Metformin thus proves to be an effective and efficient diabetes treatment.

However, for the drug to work effectively a balanced diet and an exercise regimen is necessary, without which the medicine fails to deliver its desired results. Also the drug must be taken at regular intervals before or after meals and on the same time each day for increased effectiveness. You should always consult a doctor before taking metformin for type 2 diabetes treatment, as metformin is prescription drug and any lower or higher dose than prescribed can cause serious complications.

Also you should avoid taking this medicine or consult a doctor if you any of the conditions like kidney problem, liver disease, heart disease or if you are suffering from some severe infection, as in such cases use of metformin can result in a life threatening condition called lactic acidosis.

Metformin is a safe medicine if taken in recommended doses under the supervision of a doctor. Few of the adverse effects include nausea, headaches, heartburn, acidity, gas, bad smell and stomach upset.

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