Metformin Benefits, Uses, and Safety: The Ultimate Guide to Diabetes Management

Metformin

Metformin is an agent belonging to the Biguanide(it refers to a group of oral type-2 diabetic drugs that work by preventing the production of glucose in the liver improving the body's sensitivity towards insulin and reducing the amount of sugar absorbed by the intestine)class of antidiabetics. It is a solid, colorless that dissolves in water to give a fundamental solution. The molecular weight of metformin is 126.16g/mol. The boiling point is 224.1⁰c at 760mmHg. The melting point is 223 to 226⁰C. It is also known as, Flumamine, Dimethylbiguanide, Glumetza, Fortamet, Islotin, Metforminum, siofor, Metformina, Obimet, Dianben, etc.

Structure-

The molecular formula of metformin is, [C4H11N5].

The IUPAC name of metformin is, [3-(diaminomethylidene)-1,1-dimethylguanidine].

Synthesis-

Dimethylamine reacts with Dicyanoamide and produces metformin.

Mechanism of action-

Metformin, the primary action of metformin is to reduce glucose production by the liver, a process called hepatic gluconeogenesis. It suppresses the activity of key enzymes like Pyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), fructose 1,6 bis-phosphatase, and glucose-6-phosphatase that are responsible for producing glucose, especially in conditions where the liver overproduces glucose, such as in type 2 diabetes. Metformin helps lower fasting blood sugar levels by limiting these excess glucose outputs. Metformin also improves insulin sensitivity by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which enhances glucose uptake in muscle and fat cells. This reduces insulin resistance, allowing cells to respond better to insulin and improving overall blood sugar control.

Doses-

Adult dose forms and strengths for type-2 diabetes are, in tablets, 500 mg, 850mg, and 1000mg.

In oral solution-500 mg,750mg,1000mg.

The initial dose for oral type-2 diabetes is 500mg orally every 12 hours or 850mg once/day with meals, increased every two weeks. The maintenance dose is 1500-2550mg/day taken orally, divided once every 8-12 hours with a meal.

Uses-

*It lowers your body's sugar level by improving insulin handling. 

*For women with PCOS, it lowers insulin and blood sugar levels and can also stimulate ovulation.

Side-effects-

The overdose of metformin shows different types of side effects like, 

#Nausea.

#Vomiting.

#Stomach upset.

#Diarrhea.

#Weakness.

#Metalic taste in the mouth.

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