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.
Under certain conditions, too much metformin can cause lactic acidosis. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are severe and quick to appear, and usually occur when other health problems not related to the medicine are present and are very severe, such as a heart attack or kidney failure.
Medicines containing guanidine, such as metformin and phenformin, were developed to treat diabetes. But they fell out of favor due to serious side effects caused by phenformin, and by the discovery of insulin.
Metformin has a black box warning for lactic acidosis. This side effect is rare but serious and has an incident rate of 1 in 30,000 patients. [3] Lactate builds up in the body and cannot be eliminated easily, which leads to metabolic acidosis.
GLP – 1 Receptor Agonists (Bydureon, Byetta, Ozempic, Adlyxin, Rybelsus, Trulicity, and Victoza) Usage: This is another alternative to metformin. This comes in both oral and injection forms. GLP-1 receptor agonists are safe for kidney patients as it reduces risks of kidney damage and also support heart health.
Metformin may have an adverse effect on renal function in patients with type 2 DM and moderate CKD.
Official answer. Most experts consider metformin to be the safest medicine for type 2 diabetes because it has been used for many decades, is effective, affordable, and safe. Metformin is recommended as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Metformin is a first-choice medication to help manage blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes, but it's used in other situations too, like prediabetes. It lessens sugar absorption and production, and it makes your body more sensitive to insulin. This helps lower the amount of sugar in your blood.
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.
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.
As already discussed, metformin can result in sleep disturbance, and this might affect normal dream patterns. Nightmares are reported in patients receiving metformin. [7] However, they are less frequent than insomnia.
Summary. Commonly reported side effects of metformin include: lactic acidosis, diarrhea, nausea, nausea and vomiting, vomiting, and flatulence.
Conclusions. Metformin attenuates osteoarthritis structural worsening and modulates pain, suggesting its potential for osteoarthritis prevention or treatment.
Someone who is nondiabetic might notice decreases in inflammation, anti-aging benefits, and some weight loss, says Acebedo. A review of research (12) published last year in Frontiers in Endocrinology concluded that “metformin can improve healthspan … extending the period of life spent in good health.”
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, also known as “gliptins,” are other metformin alternatives. This class includes Januvia (sitagliptin), Tradjenta (linagliptin), and Nesina (alogliptin). These once-daily oral pills lower A1C up to 0.8%, making them less effective than metformin in general.
First, it makes your body more sensitive to insulin. This helps your cells use glucose in your blood for energy. Metformin also decreases the amount of glucose your body makes and absorbs. When you're first getting started on metformin, it's normal to experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and gas.
Cite this: FDA Approves New Type 2 Diabetes Drug Bexagliflozin - Medscape - Jan 23, 2023.
What is the highest blood sugar level that is safe? For a diabetic individual blood sugar levels between 160 to 240mg/dl is highest sugar levels that is safe. Normal blood sugar level for any individual before meals is between 80 to130 mg/dL. After 1-2 hours of meal it should be less than 180 mg/dL.
Metformin may exert part of hypoglycemic effects by altering the gut microbiota in ways that maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier, promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), regulate bile acid metabolism, and improve glucose homeostasis.
The Bottom Line. Bananas are a delicious, nutritious and affordable food for everyone, including those with diabetes. Eating this healthy fruit can help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and improve heart health.