Long-term side effects Taking metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency if you take it for a long time. This can make you feel very tired, breathless and faint, so your doctor may check the vitamin B12 level in your blood. If your vitamin B12 levels become too low, vitamin B12 supplements will help.
Can metformin cause nerve damage? It's possible but unlikely. Along with raising your risk for anemia, low vitamin B12 levels may also contribute to nerve damage (or neuropathy). This can lead to chronic nerve pain.
How long to take it for. Treatment for diabetes is usually for life. But if your kidneys are not working properly, your doctor will tell you to stop taking metformin and switch you to a different medicine. Do not stop taking metformin without talking to your doctor.
Metformin is often a first-choice treatment for Type 2 diabetes. It's not known to be harmful to your kidneys or other organs. But if you have kidney problems, there's a greater risk of a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Your healthcare provider should watch your kidney function while you're taking metformin.
Clinically apparent liver injury from metformin is very rare, fewer than a dozen cases having been described in the literature despite widespread use of this agent for several decades. The liver injury usually appears after 1 to 8 weeks, typically with symptoms of weakness and fatigue followed by jaundice.
It is not possible to reverse kidney damage. However, people can take measures to prevent or delay the onset of kidney disease. Evidence notes that the best strategy for individuals living with diabetes is to manage blood glucose and keep levels within target range.
As much as possible, avoid white bread, white rice, white pasta, candy, soda, desserts, and snacks like chips or crackers. Eating foods that can spike your blood sugar will not necessarily make the metformin not work, however, it will increase the burden it has to work against.
Common metformin alternatives are SGLT-2 Inhibitors (Invokana, Farxiga, Jardiance, and Steglatro), GLP – 1 Receptor Agonists ( Bydureon, Byetta, Ozempic, Adlyxin, Rybelsus, Trulicity, and Victoza), Sulfonylureas or SFUs { DiaBeta, Glynase, or Micronase (glyburide or glibenclamide) Amaryl (glimepiride) Diabinese ( ...
Risks of stopping metformin
If you stop taking metformin abruptly, your health may suffer. You may experience side effects such as higher blood sugars, an increased A1c, and even weight gain. Over time, higher blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes complications, including: Retinopathy and blindness.
More serious side effects are rare. They include severe allergic reactions and a condition called lactic acidosis, a buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. The risk for this is higher among people with significant kidney disease, so doctors tend to avoid prescribing metformin for them.
Metformin may have an adverse effect on renal function in patients with type 2 DM and moderate CKD.
The current drug labeling strongly recommends against metformin use in some patients whose kidneys do not work normally because use of metformin in these patients can increase the risk of developing a serious and potentially deadly condition called lactic acidosis, in which too much lactic acid builds up in the blood.
The use of metformin by non-diabetics stems from some evidence that metformin can decrease inflammation, protect against cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment, minimize cancer risk and progression, and prolong life.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are another option if Metformin isn't working for you. These can either be taken orally or through an injection (either once a day or once weekly). They are proven to lower blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels, as well as protect against kidney disease and heart disease as well.
Some simple and refined carbohydrates
Metformin helps limit blood glucose levels. Simple and refined carbs boost those blood sugar levels, which can increase weight gain and cause metformin not to work as well as it should.
Metformin must be consumed with meals to assist lower stomach or bowel side effects that might happen during the initial few weeks of treatment. The tablet or extended-release tablet must be taken whole with a full glass of water.
Be wary of taking metformin on an empty stomach
Taking all of your medications first thing in the morning may be the easiest way to remember to take them daily, but if you take metformin on an empty stomach (or only with coffee), it may cause nausea that can last all day.
Frequently Asked Questions. Fruits with a high GI ranging between 70 to 100 contain high sugar content. Such fruits include watermelon, ripen banana, pineapple, mango, lychee and dried dates. These fruits can cause blood sugar spikes and must be avoided.
A medical provider can run a few tests to see how metformin is affecting your health: Blood work can check if your glucose, insulin, and HbA1C levels are in range. If they are, the medication is working.
Drinking alcohol too often while taking metformin can lead to lactic acidosis, a potentially lethal complication, as well as hypoglycemia and vitamin B-12 deficiency. Speak with your doctor about how much alcohol would be safe to drink while taking metformin.
Blurry vision is a common side effect associated with a prolonged use of Metformin. This happens due to a deficiency of Vitamin B12 as Metformin is known to affect its absorption.
Alcohol and Metformin should not be combined since doing so has harmful impacts on your health. If you have diabetes, you should avoid heavy drinking because it can cause low blood sugar. Before taking Metformin, you should consult your doctor.