What’s the problem with metformin?

If you’re one of those people who pops a pill every day to keep their diabetes at bay, then chances are high that you have heard of Metformin.

Metformin is the world’s most widely used drug for Type 2 Diabetes, and it has been around for almost 60 years now. But why hasn’t anyone bothered to ask the question: What’s the Problem with Metformin?

In this article, we will be exploring some of its less-talked-about side effects, investigating whether or not they outweigh its benefits.

How Does It Work?

Before we explore the dark underbelly of this medication, let’s briefly go over what does it do.

Metformin works by suppressing glucose production in your liver while increasing insulin sensitivity in your fat and muscle cells so that sugar can more effectively move into them. This leads to lower blood sugar levels overall.

It sounds great! So what could possibly be wrong with it?

Lactic Acidosis

One potential downside of Metformin use is lactic acidosis – an excess buildup of lactic acid in your bloodstream that can cause symptoms like:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Seizures
  • Confusion

While rare (occurring only in about three incidence per 100000 patients), lactic acidosis is also potentially life-threatening — which makes this potential issue hard to ignore altogether.

## Stomach Problems Like Diarrhea And Gas (The Unspoken Fear)
One thing those TV commercials won’t tell you – aside from scaring four-year-olds into thinking their parents might melt all over again during showers JAWS (OKAY technically not diabetes medication related but come on) – are things like gas / flatulence/ diarrhea caused by medications such as metfomin, among other side effects.

These symptoms can be challenging, both physically and socially, as patients might have to run off right when having their lunch with friends!

## Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Another downside of metformin is that it could potentially cause nutrient deficiencies; one such deficiency is in Vitamin B12 levels levels due to Metformin usage.

Vitamin B12 plays a significant role in energy metabolism — which means if your body is deficient you’ll feel weak and fatigued. This vitamin also helps make DNA–deficiencies like these over even a moderate amount of time can lead to long-term health issues down the line.

It Could Cause Liver And Kidney Damage Over Time

The website WebMD states that individuals who are prescribed with Metformin – especially those who have liver or kidney problems – should be very careful about using it.

Studies suggest that high doses over prolonged periods could cause serious liver damage, including susceptibility non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) inflammation-related diseases, scarring /cirrhosis.

Individuals taking this medication for extended periods may need regular check-ups from their healthcare provider as studies indicate some people might fall into an increased risk category for these types of possibilities depending on a variety of factors pertaining mostly to respective medical history & more

Increased Risks For Hypoglycemia Episodes

One thing I’ve read often while researching: potential increases risks for hypoglycemia episodes/times where blood sugar levels drop lower than normal resulting in dizziness/ headaches/seizures/blurred vision among other things.

It’s important for patients taking metfomin understand the mechanisms behind how hypoglycemic event work so they’re better equipped if something happens bcse knowledge = power!

So what did we learn?
Firstly- Metfomin does pose Some potential threats: lactic acidosis and gastrointestinal upsets (hello, gas!). As with all medication, (or things in life), weighing the benefits & shortcomings is essential; hence having a frank discussion with healthcare professional about what’s right for you is vital.

Ultimately it falls on clinicians/providers to adequately educate / monitor patients when prescribed Metformin so they can better manage conditions while minimizing risks of adverse events.

So don’t let these potential side effects scare away from metfomin entirely, bf cause the fact that more folks use it over any other drug out there might be testament t’ its effectiveness as an oral diabetes treatment – just take care/talk 2ur doc and expect some hiccup – cuz this isn’t The Wizard Of Oz y’all!/

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