One of the health concerns that many people are facing these days is Diabetes. Metformin is one of the most common medicines prescribed for the treatment of this health condition.
What is Diabetes?
When the blood sugar or blood glucose levels are high in the body, you are suffering from diabetes. The food that we eat will produce glucose in the human body and that is responsible for generating energy. The pancreas present in the body will produce a hormone known as Insulin. This hormone will move the glucose into the cells so that it can be used as energy. But when your body is unable to make enough insulin or does not make any insulin, the glucose from the food does not reach the cells in the body. It can also happen when your body is producing insulin but is unable to use it in the right way to move the glucose. Glucose will stay inside the body and increase gradually and reaches a level where it turns into diabetes.
Now that we have checked out what is diabetes, let us check a few more details about this condition. Also, let us understand how Metformin can be helpful for you.
Types of Diabetes
Basically, there are three types of diabetes. Here are some details about the types of diabetes that people suffer from:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes:
This is an autoimmune disease. The cells present in the pancreas make insulin. For people with this disease, the immunity system will destroy the cells. This is common in people of all age groups, but it is very common in Young adults and children. The reason why the immune system attacks the pancreas cells is not known. A person who is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes will have to take insulin shots.
Type 2 Diabetes:
When your body is not using the insulin produced in the body or not making any insulin, then you are suffering from type 2 diabetes. Sugar build-up becomes normal and the body gets used to insulin levels. Most people have type 2 diabetes and even this can be seen in people of all age groups.
Gestational Diabetes:
The next type of diabetes is gestational diabetes. This condition is common in women during their pregnancy. It usually gets under control after the delivery process. But it increases the chances of type 2 diabetes in the future. So, you need to be careful if you were diagnosed with diabetes during your pregnancy.
Depending on the type of diabetes you are suffering from, you will be suggested the best medication. You should always take good control of your sugar levels and continue the use of the medication.
Causes of diabetes:
What exactly can be the cause of diabetes? This is a very critical question that you need to understand. The cause of diabetes will help in controlling it in a better way. The cause of Type 1 diabetes is not known to anyone. Why the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas is not known.
The cause of Type 2 diabetes is lifestyle issues and genetic problems. One reason for type 2 diabetes can be overweight. You will usually get these genes from your family members and become overweight.
When it comes to Gestational diabetes, happens during pregnancy. The hormonal changes that happen in your body will be responsible for this type of diabetes.
How does Metformin help diabetic patients?
This drug Metformin is used for treating only type 2 diabetes. One important that you should know while using this drug is, it should be combined with a good diet and physical activity. It is very important to control type 2 diabetes as it can cause other health conditions. If you control it, you will be able to have control over other health conditions that may occur. The conditions include blindness, kidney diseases, loss of limbs, nerve problems, and most importantly sexual dysfunction.
The chances of heart attack and strokes can also be controlled when you have control over type 2 diabetes.
How to take the medicine for treating diabetes well?
Metformin HCl has to be taken only if your health expert has suggested the use of the drug. You will have to follow all the instructions given to you. As already discussed, the medication is combined with a proper diet and workout. So, if your doctor has given you a specific diet chart to follow, then do not miss anything from it.
This drug has to be used with meals, not unless your doctor asks you to take it the other way. Usually, this medicine has to be taken once a day, but some people may be suggested more. The maximum would be thrice a day. If you are taking it in liquid form, then shake it well before using it.
Based on your sugar levels and other health conditions, the medicine will start working. The results will take a little time to control the glucose levels. Hence it is very important for you to continue the use of Metformin to see good results. The drug has to be used for the rest of your life to control diabetes. But based on how the medicine is working on the body, your doctor may suggest some slight adjustments. That way, you will be able to see better results and have better control.
How does Metformin work on type 2 diabetes?
You will be affected by diabetes when the body is not reacting well to insulin that is produced in the body. But after taking Metformin your body will start utilizing the natural insulin that is produced in the body. Your liver also produces sugar and this medicine will also reduce its production.
Can you take Metformin while getting a vaccine?
Yes, you can take Metformin while getting a vaccine. You should continue using your regular medicines when you have diabetes. Stopping the medicine suddenly will spike the sugar levels in the body. But sometimes depending on the type of vaccine that you are taking, you need to take certain precautions. You will have to discuss with your doctor the vaccine you are getting done. Depending on the details that you provide, your doctor will suggest the necessary steps to take. So, always make sure to discuss with health care experts.
Can there be any major side effects?
If you are having any allergic reaction after taking the drug Metformin, then you need to reach the doctor. You may also see some mild symptoms like trouble breathing, muscle pains, stomach pain, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, and a few others. You need to reach your doctor immediately before it gets severe. Overdose may result in lowering your blood sugar levels. So, talking to the doctor may help in adjusting the medicine dosage. That will just keep the sugar levels in control without making them too low.