Metformin is the most commonly used medicine for treating people with diabetes. You will unlikely find anyone with type 2 diabetes who has not used Metformin at least once. But is it harmful or banned anywhere in the world?
Metformin reduced average blood glucose by 40-50 mg/dl and HbA1c by around 1.5 -2 %, depending on when it is used. It does cause mild weight loss, especially in people who are overweight. Further, it does not produce low glucose ( hypoglycemia). Scientific studies on people with diabetes who are overweight have shown that metformin use is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
Metformin is one of the safest medicines and can be used even in children ( approved for ages > 10 years) and pregnancy. Metformin may cause mild gastric irritation and constipation. It may rarely cause altered taste. Long-term use of Metformin, especially in vegetarians, may lead to a deficiency in Vitamin B12. Since Metformin, like most medicines, is excreted by the kidneys, the doses should be discontinued with eGFR of less than 30 ml.
Metformin does not have any adverse effects on the kidneys or heart.
Metformin is currently studied for its effects on increasing lifespan and its impact as an anticancer medicine. So
1. Metformin is a safe drug
2. You can use Metformin if your doctor prescribes the same
3. It is not banned anywhere in the world
Author
Dr. Mathew John MD, DM