The latest survey on diabetes reveals a startling fact. The total number
of people suffering from diabetes will double by 2020. Diabetes is
chronic disorder characterized by high glucose levels or inefficient
production of insulin in blood. There are two types of diabetes- type1,
found mostly in kids, and type 2 diabetes, found in adults. If
unattended, it can lead to serious repercussion like kidney failure,
blindness, and nerve damage. Researchers are trying to devise various
effective diabetes treatments. One such drug that has come at the right
time to help people battling with diabetes is Metformin. This wonder
drug helps regulate blood sugar levels in body, tackles age related
diabetes, and lowers cholesterol levels in body.
Metformin has
triple benefits. First, it lowers the amount of glucose produced in the
liver, then, it reduces the amount of glucose absorbed through stomach
from food, and lastly, it improves the effectiveness of insulin in body.
Usually the glucose lowering drugs available in the market tend to
lower blood glucose levels in body leading to a condition known as
hypoglycaemia. Metformin on the other hand does not increase the
concentration of insulin in the blood. According to the latest research,
the drug helps in preventing pancreatic cancer in obese people. It also
acts as an antioxidant and helps in preventing minor ischemic attacks.
Diabetes also leads to premature aging/ accelerate aging. It also helps
in preventing sugar cravings, stabilizes sugar levels, improves body
composition, and improves insulin use. This drug also helps in lowering
cholesterol levels in body by preventing low-density lipoprotein from
attaching to the arteries, thereby reducing the risk of blood clotting.
Due to its sugar stabilizing properties, it is very useful for dieters
and helps in preventing sugar cravings.
The dosage should be
limited to 500 mg to 850 mg once or twice a day for people aged 40 years
and above. People suffering with kidney or liver problems should
consult a doctor before taking this medicine. Side effects in the form
of nausea, headaches, loss of appetite, and stomach pain may be
experienced. This drug can lead to deficiency of Vitamin B 12 , so the
supplements of the same are recommended. Metformin should not be
combined with other anti- hypertensive medicines, as it can lead to
renal failure, cardiovascular problems, and other respiratory problems.
Remember, diabetes is a chronic disease. It can never be fully cured.
With diabetes treatment in the form of medicines, healthy diet, you can
keep diabetes and other complications at bay.
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