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Glucophage and Metformin - the Biguanides
Glucophage and Metformin, known as the Biguanides, are oral drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes when an improved diet and exercise regime have not shown any improvement in blood sugar levels.
Glucophage and Metformin are the most prescribed drug for lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is believed to work by reducing glucose production in the liver and by enhancing sensitivity to insulin in the body tissues.
Unlike Amaryl and other diabetic medication, it has the advantage of helping to promote weight loss, Glucophage or Metformin are therefore often recommended as a single drug treatment particularly for obese patients.
The Biguanides are often used in combination with Amaryl and other insulin secreting drugs, or even in conjunction with insulin itself.
The side effects of Glucophage or Metformin may include:
- A metallic taste in the mouth.
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Anemia
- Anorexia
- Lactic Acidosis
Although rare, the most serious of these is Lactic Acidosis, the buildup of lactic acid in the body. The signs of lactic acidosis are rapid breathing, nausea, and stomach pains. This usually occurs in people who already suffer from kidney or liver problems, and as a result Glucophage and Metformin are not recommended for these patients.
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The information provided on InformationAboutDiabetes.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational purposes and does not constitute the practice of medicine. We encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician or nutritionist if they have any concerns regarding health issues related to diet, personal image and any other topics discussed on this site. Neither the owners or employees of InformationAboutDiabetes.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.
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