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.
Metformin may also have health benefits for people who don't have diabetes. Doctors have long prescribed it off-label — that is, to treat conditions outside its approved use, including: Prediabetes. People with prediabetes have elevated blood sugar that isn't yet high enough to qualify as diabetes.
Taking medication
Taking diabetes medication when you are a non-diabetic can cause significant changes to your body's glucose levels. You should never consume any medication that is not intended for you. Hypoglycaemia can also be a side effect of several antibiotics, pneumonia, and malaria medications.
Is metformin safe? Recent research has also demonstrated that a low dose of metformin (1000-1500mg/day) can promote weight loss in non-diabetic individuals.
Metformin does not usually cause low blood sugar.
Most adults and children aged 10 years and older can take metformin.
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.
Metformin may also reduce weight by decreasing the amount of visceral fat in the liver and muscle tissue. Visceral fat is stored within the abdominal cavity, which contains several internal organs, including the liver, stomach, and intestines.
Considering all factors, metformin can cause a modest amount of weight reduction in those who take the medication regularly, although average weight loss is only between 4-7 pounds per year.
Even in studies that indicated weight loss, the results were modest. One of the most extensive studies to date, performed by the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), tested metformin in people with prediabetes (those at risk for developing T2D). People randomly assigned metformin lost an average of 4-7 pounds.
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.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking metformin and call your doctor immediately: extreme tiredness, weakness, or discomfort; nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; decreased appetite; deep and rapid breathing or shortness of breath; dizziness; lightheadedness; fast or slow heartbeat; flushing of the ...
Metformin isn't a first-choice treatment for prediabetes. But it may be prescribed off-label to people at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. It may also be an option if your prediabetes isn't improving or stabilizing on diet and exercise changes alone.
Metformin has been referred to as a miracle drug due to its relatively low cost, minimal risks, and ability to ward off diabetes and potentially some effects of ageing. It is most commonly used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, but it has also been found to offer them cardiovascular benefits.
Current evidence suggests that the weight change associated with metformin is more likely to be due to decreased caloric intake versus increases in energy expenditure. Metformin appears to impact appetite regulation both directly and indirectly due to its gastrointestinal side effects.
All told, the research suggests a potential 5- to 15-pound average weight loss with metformin.
In line with the results of energy metabolism, animal studies showed that the administration of metformin led to a reduction of body fat independent of its anorexigenic effects.
Metformin may have an adverse effect on renal function in patients with type 2 DM and moderate CKD.
Dosage and strength
The maximum daily dose is 2,000mg a day. This can be taken as four 500mg tablets a day. Liquid metformin should be taken in 5ml doses of 500mg, 850mg or 1,000mg.
Numerous research groups have reported that metformin has beneficial effects on a variety of inflammatory skin disorders including psoriasis, acanthosis nigricans, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, and allergic contact dermatitis.
Metformin can be used safely when the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2. If the eGFR is between 30 and 44 mL/min/1.73 m2, metformin treatment should not be started.
Recent guidelines recommend considering use of metformin in patients with prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose 100-125 mg/dL, 2-hr post-load glucose 140-199 mg/dL, or A1C 5.7-6.4%), especially in those who are <60 years old, have a BMI >35 kg/m2, or have a history of gestational diabetes.