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.
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.
Are there any side effects with metformin? Metformin is considered a safe, cheap and effective medication worldwide, but it can cause some minor side effects in some people.
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.
Metformin has been used to treat diabetes for a long time, while Rybelsus was recently approved in 2019. Both medications are effective for lowering blood sugar levels.
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.
Making positive lifestyle changes such as eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting down to a healthy weight (and maintaining it) are the key to possibly reversing or managing type 2 diabetes.
Metformin has a black box warning for lactic acidosis — a condition where too much lactic acid builds up in the blood. It's a serious problem and can lead to death. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
The second metformin alternative is berberine, or berberine hydrochloride, a chemical found in various plants, including goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and turmeric. According to research, berberine may effectively treat various illnesses, including inflammation, diabetes, and obesity.
How do you reverse diabetes? The strongest evidence we have at the moment suggests that type 2 diabetes is mainly put into remission by weight loss. Remission is more likely if you lose weight as soon as possible after your diabetes diagnosis.
Pancreatic beta cells that do not produce sufficient insulin in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are not permanently damaged during the early stages of the disease and can be restored to normal function through the removal of excess fat in the cells, according to a study entitled “Remission of Type 2 Diabetes for Two ...
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.
While metformin is a more common first-choice medication for Type 2 diabetes, weight loss is more likely with Ozempic. Ozempic can also lower your risk of heart attack and stroke if you have diabetes and heart disease. And it has been shown to have potential benefits for the kidneys.
The latest buzzy diabetes drug semaglutide—better known by brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus—is drawing attention for its ability to both control blood sugar and cause weight loss.
The chemical name for metformin is dimethylbiguanide and common brand names include Diabex, Diaformin, Metex and Glucophage.
An effective substitute for Metformin is a compound known as berberine or berberine hydrochloride, which is obtained from many plant species, including goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and turmeric.
Some simple and refined carbohydrates
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. Foods like white bread, white pasta, and most chips, crackers, and cookies have little fiber and lots of sugar.
Exercise. Physical activity is the fastest way to lower your blood sugar without medication. Exercise lowers insulin resistance and helps your body convert glucose into energy.
Metformin overdose associated with lactic acidosis presents with nonspecific symptoms and includes severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric pain, thirstiness, lost appetite, lethargy and hyperpnoea. Hypotension, hypothermia, acute renal failure, coma and cardiac arrest also represent significant clinical features.