Metformin: Note when treating type 2 diabetes

The article was professionally consulted by Pharmacist Huynh Xuan Loc - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, a condition in which the body either reduces insulin production or responds inadequately to it, causing a buildup and an increase in blood sugar (glucose) levels. Also called hyperglycemia. Metformin controls blood sugar by helping the body reduce the absorption of sugar from food and preventing the production of extra glucose in the liver. Metformin also increases the response of tissues to insulin, the body's main hormone in regulating blood sugar.

People with type 2 diabetes who do not have long-term blood sugar control can have serious or even life-threatening complications. Therefore, maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle and taking appropriate medications will help improve health, control disease and avoid future harm.
Metformin as well as other antidiabetic drugs target this. Used appropriately, with follow-up and regular visits with the treating doctor, metformin will help patients stabilize blood sugar, reduce the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or avoid complications. dangerous as kidney failure, peripheral nerve damage, even blindness, gangrene of limbs.
Another benefit of metformin is that it does not cause hypoglycemia and can help with weight loss in overweight or obese patients when combined with an appropriate exercise regimen.

Although it brings many benefits to patients and is the most commonly used drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, not everyone can use metformin. The use of drugs must be considered and decided by the doctor based on the individual health status of each patient.
Metformin is taken orally; The drug can be in the form of single-component tablets such as in drugs named Glucophage, Fortamet, Riomet... or it can also be a combination tablet of metformin with other drugs such as in tablets of Janumet, Komboglyze, Xigduo... Patients need Know and inform your doctor about the drugs you are taking to ensure the right choice of treatment, avoid overdose or unnecessary drug interactions.
Patients also need to inform their doctor about any medical conditions they have, especially kidney disease or liver damage (elevated liver enzymes ...) because the doctor may need to reduce the dose of metformin or change to another drug. other.
In addition, if the patient has ever had a heart attack, stroke, ketoacidosis due to too high blood sugar, coma or other cardiovascular disease, the treating doctor also needs to know well to have an appropriate treatment. fit.

When surgery is required, including dental procedures or other large, complex procedures, patients should also inform the doctor that they are taking metformin. In addition, when having to perform scans, projections, and imaging tests using contrast, it is also necessary to notify the doctor to avoid adverse reactions.
It is necessary to stop using metformin and notify the treating doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as excessive weakness, body malaise, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid and tired breathing, dizziness, lightheadedness. lightheadedness, slow heartbeat, flushing, muscle aches, or feeling cold in your hands and feet. Those could be signs of lactic acidosis, a serious adverse reaction caused by metformin. Although the frequency of patients experiencing lactic acidosis due to metformin is very low, it is a dangerous complication that needs special attention.
The risk of lactic acidosis is also increased with conditions such as kidney failure, heart failure, liver failure, people who drink a lot of alcohol during treatment or are simply dehydrated. Therefore, patients are also advised to drink enough water and not abuse alcohol to avoid adverse reactions when taking metformin.
The last point to remember when taking metformin or any other antidiabetic drug is to have regular checkups and evaluations with your doctor. During these visits, the doctor may order a number of tests to evaluate the patient's body function and response to medication; These test results should be kept for future visits.

The most common adverse effect of metformin is gastrointestinal disturbances with manifestations such as diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, metallic taste in the mouth or heartburn. These symptoms are usually mild, transient, and may disappear after a few days or when the dose is reduced or the drug is discontinued.
To increase the body's adaptability to metformin, the doctor may prescribe the drug at a low dose and then gradually increase it until the optimal treatment effect is achieved without causing any discomfort to the patient. . However, if symptoms persist or worsen, the patient should stop taking the drug and contact a doctor immediately for appropriate treatment.

Another caveat with long-term metformin is the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency because metformin reduces the absorption of vitamin B12 from the gut. This deficiency may result in peripheral neuropathy or, rarely, megaloblastic anemia. The doctor may give the patient additional vitamin supplements to prevent this side effect.
If you notice any unusual health problems, you should visit and consult with a specialist.
Articles refer to the source: medlineplus.gov