Diabetes is a very common disease among many people in our country today. So when a doctor first determines that you have diabetes, the first medication that is often prescribed is Metformin. Maybe you are already using this medication. Or maybe someone in your family is using it. So today we will simply talk about this very important medication called Metformin, many things that are not known exactly.
What is this medicine called Metformin?
Simply put, Metformin is a medication used to treat Type 2 Diabetes. It works by controlling your blood sugar levels, or glucose levels. It also helps your body's natural hormone called insulin work properly.
Think of it this way: insulin in our body is like a key to a door. It opens the doors of cells and helps the sugar in the blood enter the cells. In diabetes, this key doesn't work properly. Metformin helps this key work properly again.
The most important thing is that this drug does not work alone. Metformin is best used in conjunction with a good diet and exercise regimen.
Sometimes, doctors prescribe this medication not only for diabetes, but also for a hormonal condition in women called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Although metformin is a very safe medication, it may not be suitable for some people. Therefore, it is essential that you clearly explain any other medical conditions you have before your doctor prescribes this medication.
| Conditions you should definitely inform your doctor about | |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | Since metformin is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, this medication is not suitable if you have poor kidney function. |
| Liver disease | If you have any liver disease, inform your doctor . |
| Heart disease | Especially talk about conditions like heart disease. |
| Alcohol use | If you are a regular drinker, be sure to mention that. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, do not start this medication. Talk to your doctor about it. |
| Other situations | Also mention things like anemia, dehydration, severe infections or injuries, and persistent vomiting. |
| Allergies | Also tell us if you have any allergies to metformin or any other medicine or food. |
How should I use this medicine?
This is very simple.
- Drink with a glass of water: Drink the dose prescribed by the doctor with a glass of water.
- Take with food: This is the most important thing. Taking metformin with or after a meal can greatly reduce side effects like stomach upset and nausea.
- Take it on time: Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. If your doctor tells you to take it twice a day, it's a good idea to take it with breakfast and dinner.
- Do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice: Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
What if I take too much medicine? / What if I miss a meal?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
There are several things we need to be aware of when taking metformin.
1. HbA1C test: Your doctor will order a blood test called HbA1C every 3 to 6 months. This measures how well your diabetes has been controlled over the past 2-3 months.
2. Hypoglycemia: When metformin is taken alone, the blood sugar level is low. However, when taken with insulin or other diabetes medications, the blood sugar level may drop too low. This is called hypoglycemia.
- Symptoms: Sweating, trembling, extreme hunger, incoordination, fainting.
- What to do: If you experience these symptoms, eat something sweet immediately . For example, keep some glucose, a spoonful of sugar, a sweet drink, or a piece of toffee nearby.
- Important: If you lose consciousness, no one should force anything into your mouth. You should be taken to a hospital immediately.
3. Surgery and Scans: If you are going to have surgery or a special test like a CT scan or MRI scan, you should tell your doctor that you are taking Metformin. You may need to stop taking the medicine for a few days.
4. Vitamin Deficiencies: Long-term use of Metformin may cause vitamin B12 and folic acid levels to drop slightly. Talk to your doctor about this and take supplements if necessary.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medication, Metformin can cause minor side effects. However, these are usually not serious.
| Type of side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Lactic Acidosis | This is a very rare but serious condition. If you experience symptoms such as muscle twitching, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, or extreme fatigue, seek medical advice immediately. |
| Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency | Numbness, pain, muscle weakness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating in the limbs. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach ache, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea. These are common when starting the medication and often decrease over time. These can be controlled by taking the medication with food. |
| Other | Headache, metallic taste in the mouth. |
Take-Home Message
- Always take metformin with or after a meal . This will greatly reduce stomach discomfort.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including medications for other conditions, vitamins, and Ayurvedic medicines).
- Never stop taking medication without medical advice.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Keep something sweet nearby to eat in case of such a situation.
- If you have any other medical conditions, such as kidney, liver, or heart disease, be sure to tell your doctor before starting the medication.
- If any serious side effects occur, seek medical advice immediately.
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