A Beginner's Guide to Metformin: A Treatment For Diabetes

If you have type 2 diabetes, you may have been prescribed Metformin. It is one of the most common drugs prescribed to treat this form of diabetes. In fact, it has been prescribed over 120 million times to people around the world. How good is Metformin in treating diabetes?

There was a diabetes type 2 prevention study from The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). Lifestyle intervention and metformin reduced the incidence of diabetes by 58% and 31%, respectively, when compared with placebo. Metformin lowers your blood sugar in multiple ways. It can lower glucose levels produced by the liver, as well as decrease the amount of sugar absorbed by the intestines.

You may say to yourself, "Metformin lowers sugar absorbed by the intestines - does that make it a good diet pill?" 

Video Guide: What is Metformin?

UK Meds have created a short video to provide an overview of what Metformin is which you can watch below:

Does Metformin cause weight loss?

According to one study by The Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, Metformin leads to weight loss over time.

Weight loss in the metformin group was maintained throughout the combined DPP and DPPOS period with metformin participants having an average 2.5-kg weight loss over time

The same study showed a significant reduction in the development of diabetes.

In the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), metformin reduced the development of diabetes by 31% over an average of 2.8 years of follow-up

The above study results show that Metformin both reduces diabetes as well as assists in weight loss.

Can I take Metformin if I'm not diabetic?

You may be wondering if Metformin is a weight loss drug. Because the research so far has been fairly limited, Metformin is not currently approved as a prescription treatment for weight loss in the UK. Metformin may have been shown to assist weight loss, but there is not enough evidence to begin prescribing it to those who are overweight and obese and are looking to lose weight.

Other weight loss medicines

If Metformin sounds great because it prevents absorption of sugar in the intestines, you may be interested in hearing about Orlistat. Orlistat is a weight loss medication which can prevent the absorption of fat in the intestines. Orlistat reduces the amount of fat your body can absorb. It helps lower weight and reduce overall body fat when taken properly along with a diet and exercise routine. Orlistat is the generic version, while Xenical is the brand. They are essentially the same weight loss drug.

Is Metformin hard on the kidneys?

Another result of the above-mentioned study is that Metformin is well tolerated over an extended period of time. It does not often cause kidney problems, however, if you already have poor kidney function then taking Metformin can cause other issues. This is because Metformin is eliminated by the kidneys, so if your body is not able to do this then the drug can build up in your body and cause lactic acidosis (but this problem is a rare occurrence).

How long does it take for Metformin to kick in?

Metformin is quick-acting. You will typically start to see results within 48 hours from beginning the medication. Depending on the dose you are taking, the maximum effect should be felt within 5 days of beginning your Metformin-taking routine.

What should I do if I miss a Metformin dose?

If you miss a dose of Metformin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose. Do not take two pills to make up for the missed dose.

Is Metformin available without a prescription in the UK?

Because of the above-mentioned risk of lactic acidosis, Metformin is only available with a prescription. If you do not have a prescription, our online service may be able to assist you in getting one. Simply check out with Metformin in your cart and you will be prompted with the steps you need to take in order to order Metformin legally over the internet.

How much does Metformin cost?

You can currently buy Metformin through UK Meds starting from £17.08* for 500mg tablets. Our 850mg tablets currently start from £17.98*. 

What are the side effects of Metformin?

Many people use Metformin without side effects. Following is a list of potential side effects:

• physical weakness (asthenia)

• diarrhoea

• gas (flatulence)

• symptoms of weakness, muscle pain (myalgia)

• upper respiratory tract infection

• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

• abdominal pain (GI complaints), lactic acidosis (rare)

• low blood levels of vitamin B-12

To learn more about Metformin, view our product page where you can buy Metformin from UK Meds if you have a valid prescription for the medication.

*Please note that all prices mentioned are subject to change and were correct at the time of writing.