Metformin was first derived from a herbal extracts from Galega officinais, also known as French lilac, to treat frequent urination. The plant’s active ingredient — guanidine — was first isolated in the 1800s and later synthesized as the less-toxic metformin. The drug was approved in France and the United Kingdom in 1957 and 1958.
"Metformin is the first drug of choice, by all standards“- It’s a rarity that all experts agree on something. It is time-tested, proven, has good efficacy, a good safety profile and it’s cheap. In India almost all drug companies make metformin and it costs Rupees 4 per 10 tablets of 500mg.
Beyond Diabetes, New research is suggesting that metformin may hold promise in treating or preventing a whole host of conditions/ diabetic complications in patients with and without type 2 diabetes.
(1) metformin may be cardio-protective in patients with diabetes and beneficial in the presence of stable congestive heart failure .
(3) prostate cancer benefits
(4) offer neuroprotection that may reduce dementia- it appears it crosses BBB( blood brain barrier)
(5) protection against stroke risk,
(6) From recent research studies , it was found out that metformin gives protection against complications of Covid19.
(7) It is being studied for its anti-aging effects and in some research studies, medical students are taking this drug voluntarily to examine it's anti-aging properties ( as a part of the research )
(8) Weight lowering property. It is indirectly a boon for diabetes with obesity who look for lowering weight.
(9) Reduces excess insulin for diabetes with excess insulin.
(10)Metformin is the only drug prescribed for PCOS with positive results . Most females suffer from this metabolic disorder called Polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ) at some point of time in their life and with this disorder, they may not be able to conceive. Metformin has given them a new lease of life.
(11) provide protection against breast cancer
(12).Recently , Metformin had a bad name due to its contamination with Nitrosodi- methylamine ( NDMA ). But this issue was observed only in ER ( extended release form) and not in standard release form. Most manufacturers had recalled ER form from the market..however one need to be bit cautious with ER form of metformin.
(13) Metformin continues to be the most preferred drug for Insulin Resistance and as the first line of treatment for Diabetes most often prescribed by all Doctors throughout the world.
(14) In fact , Metformin serves as the bench mark for comparing efficacy of all other new drugs that are discovered.....whether it is a Sulphonylurea, DPP4, SGLT2, GLP1 ....... or any other drugs.
(15) In fact all these new drugs are combined with metformin....so metformin enjoys it's leadership status in terms of overall safety, efficacy.....further the research indicates that by combining metformin with other oral diabetic drugs , metformin reduces the side effects of other diabetic drugs.
(16) ..the only one side effect one may have wth metformin is B12 depletion for some people which is easily treatable. B12 deficiency is common even for non- Diabetes, non-vegetarians.
(17) So , if you are diagnosed with diabetes, Insulin resistance, struggling with obesity, you should not be avoiding metformin if your doctor has advised you unless it is contraindicated due to some other reasons. .
(18).If someone of you are able to control blood sugar with a particular diet, not necessarily that you have also reversed your insulin resistance- insulin resistance in adipose tissue, insulin resistance in liver, IR in brain.
(19) How to know if you have reversed your Insulin resistance ? Well, there are markers ......please read the post below....
healthunlocked.com/diabetes...
However unlike western countries , Insulin resistance / obesity may not be an issue for most Asians . Many Asians suffer from insulin deficiency with impaired beta cells and low circulating insulin / low C-Peptide levels
(20) Metformin drug is for all types of diabetes, though diabetes with insulin deficiency/Low C-peptide level may be prescribed insulin secretagouge oral drug along with metformin., if blood sugar is not under control with diet, exercise , life style.
(21) In other words , most medical practitioners would never prescribe a stand alone oral diabetic drug without combining with metformin.
(22) Please find a comprehensive article on Metformin. The second article is a blog by a medical professional on 10 myths on Metformin..very intersting read ..
healio.com/news/endocrinolo...
goodrx.com/blog/ten-myths-a...
(If you have problem in accessing the first article , it may ask you to register with email ID... profession you may write as medicine consumer.... healio is a reputed research organisation.)
Disclaimer : This is for general information and education purpose..please do consult your medical practitioner for guidance.
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