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A biguanide is a type of medicine that lowers blood glucose without directly increasing insulin release. Metformin is the biguanide most commonly used in modern diabetes care. It is prescribed along with nutrition, physical activity, and other treatment measures for type 2 diabetes. Metformin is available alone and in combination products with other glucose-lowering medicines.
read more about biguanide ...Biguanides are used mainly to improve blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is commonly selected early in treatment when it is appropriate for the patient. It can be used alone or combined with other oral medicines, injectable drugs, or insulin. Clinicians also use metformin for selected non-diabetes conditions when supported by the patient's clinical situation.
Metformin primarily reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver. It also improves the body's sensitivity to insulin and can reduce glucose absorption from the intestine. These actions lower fasting and after-meal blood glucose. Because metformin does not directly force the pancreas to release insulin, it has a low risk of causing hypoglycemia when used alone.
Metformin is available as immediate-release and extended-release tablets, as well as liquid formulations. It is commonly taken with food to reduce digestive side effects, and the dose can be increased gradually. Kidney function is checked before treatment and periodically afterward. Temporary interruption can be required around certain procedures, severe illnesses, or imaging studies that use iodinated contrast.
Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort, gas, and reduced appetite. Long-term use can lower vitamin B12 levels in some patients. A rare but serious complication is lactic acidosis, with higher risk during severe kidney impairment, low-oxygen states, liver failure, excessive alcohol use, or other major illness. Severe weakness, trouble breathing, unusual sleepiness, persistent vomiting, or feeling cold requires urgent medical assessment.
Yes. Metformin belongs to the biguanide class and is the main medicine associated with this group in current diabetes treatment.
Metformin has a low risk of causing hypoglycemia when used alone. The risk increases when it is combined with insulin or medicines that stimulate insulin release.
Yes. Long-term metformin treatment can reduce vitamin B12 absorption in some patients. Periodic testing can be appropriate when anemia, numbness, or other deficiency symptoms develop.
Some people with mild or moderate kidney impairment can take metformin with dose and laboratory monitoring. It is not appropriate in severe renal impairment, so treatment decisions require current kidney-function results.
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