Metformin: An important drug for controlling diabetes

 Metformin: An important drug for controlling diabetes

If type-2 diabetes is not controlled, there is only one option. That is taking medicine. If the question is asked about what kind of medicine should be taken in diabetes, the list becomes very long. Among them, if we had to name a medicine that should be taken daily, the name that hangs on the lips of people with diabetes is metformin.

Metformin is a drug used in the treatment of diabetes. This medicine may need to be taken continuously after the blood sugar level in the body increases. And, if not treated, diabetes can become uncontrolled and affect the body's organs like kidneys and heart, and there is a risk of death.

Therefore, metformin is considered as an essential medicine for those with type 2 diabetes. In type one (hereditary) diabetes, diabetes can only be controlled if insulin (a drug that controls the body's glucose through a needle) is given.

How does metformin work in the body?

Metformin does not allow the blood sugar produced in the body to rise in different ways. The food we eat is converted into glucose. Glucose is transported to other parts of the body as energy by a hormone called insulin.

But people with diabetes cannot produce enough insulin. Because of this, the amount of glucose in the body is high. Metformin works to carefully control this. Metformin drug helps to absorb glucose from the blood vessels into the cells by making use of the increased glucose after eating and drinking. As a result, the amount of glucose decreases. Adults with diabetes may need this medication along with insulin.

How to use?

If you have diabetes, you must take this medicine. But if there are two diabetics in the house, even the same medicine may not work for both of them. Because its dosage varies according to individual health condition, age, gender and sugar level. Which should be taken only on the advice of a doctor.

And, after starting the medicine, the doctor can call for follow-up from time to time. Where the amount of medicine can decrease depending on the amount of sugar.

The amount of this medicine is kept from 250 to 2000 milligrams. It should be taken after meals twice a day. Generally, 500 mg is administered in case of stable diabetes. If uncontrolled, the amount may increase. After the diabetes comes to balance, the amount may decrease again.

As far as the cost of the medicine is concerned, this medicine is easy and affordable. A tablet of metformin costs two rupees. And, if you go with a doctor's recommendation letter, you can get this medicine for free in government health institutions.

Possible side-effects

This medicine is safe for people with diabetes. But while using metformin, some people may experience common digestive side-effects.

Such as diarrhea, indigestion and stomach ache. These symptoms usually improve within a few weeks of starting the medication. But if there are serious problems like heartburn, irregular heart beat, excessive headache, the doctor should be contacted immediately. Doctors can recommend other medicines as an alternative.

Be careful before taking medicine because of these health problems

Those with heart failure (congestive heart failure), anemia, liver disease, hypoglycemia (low sugar in the body), kidney disease, allergies, and kidney disease are at risk of worsening health conditions after taking this medicine.

Therefore, this medicine can be taken only if the doctor gives permission. And, if you can't take medicine, they can give you other options.

How safe is it to take metformin during pregnancy?

If diabetes occurs during pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe this medicine to control it. It can be a safe alternative to insulin, but it should be checked regularly to know what effect it has.

Similarly, this medicine can be used to prevent diabetes for those with pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is defined as a condition in which blood sugar is high but diabetes has not yet occurred.

History of metformin

Like any new invention, every drug available on the market has its own story of discovery. From discovery to use of metformin, it was not easy.

This medicine is made using Galega officinalis plant. In Europe, the leaves of this plant were used for many health problems (such as lice, scabies and fever). Which is now used in the treatment of diabetes.

In 1918, the search for the possible cause of diabetes treatment began with the use of the substance 'guanidine' found in that herb. Initially, researchers used this herb on animals.

In 1920, after the positive results of reduced glucose level in animals, medicine was made using galagine and synthelin compound in that herb. But after the toxic effects were seen, the production of medicine was stopped.

After that, biguanidine was made by mixing two types of 'guanidine' with the aim of reducing toxicity. After testing different types of biguanidine, in 1992, it was given the name metformin and started to be used as an effective medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

Although it was an invention, we had to wait a long time for permission to use it. Almost 20 years after the drug was discovered, the US got permission to use this drug. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared that the drug was safe to use. After that, this medicine started to be used worldwide.

5 serious health problems that can occur due to diabetes

Recently, the problem of diabetes is bothering many people. The condition in which the amount of sugar in the blood is more than the requirement is called diabetes. It is colloquially known as sugar disease or sugar. Diabetes itself is such a problem, which causes other problems in the body.

Due to diabetes, there are many symptoms in the body such as dry mouth or throat, fatigue, blurred vision, excessive urination. Many consider these symptoms to be normal and ignore them. But if these symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Diabetes can be controlled with medicine and proper diet. But if diabetes is not controlled, it can cause many problems in the body. Like - poor eyesight, kidney failure, heart problems etc.

Risk of these 5 diseases if diabetes is not controlled

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious problem of diabetes. It can also cause blindness as it affects the eyes. This problem occurs when high blood sugar levels in the body damage the blood vessels of the retina. As a result, eye swelling, tears or loss of vision can be a problem.

Diabetic retinopathy can cause blurred vision, vision problems. If the blood sugar level is not controlled in time and the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are ignored, the problem worsens, which can lead to bleeding inside the eye or even blindness.

Diabetic nephropathy

Diabetes is also a major cause of kidney failure. Too much sugar in the blood can damage the blood vessels of the kidneys, which is considered the most important and leading cause of kidney disease. According to research, diabetic nephropathy can occur when the blood vessels of the kidney do not work properly.

Diabetic neuropathy

Neuropathy is a problem related to nerve damage, which is caused by high blood sugar levels in the body. As it damages the nerves, the nerves of the hands, feet and feet are affected. However, this problem often occurs in people suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure. In this problem, the leg veins are often damaged.

Skin infection

People with diabetes are more prone to skin infections. If diabetes is not controlled for a long time, itchy skin can also cause rashes. When you have diabetes, black spots are also seen on the legs. To avoid this problem, the blood sugar level should be kept under control.

Risk of heart disease

When the amount of sugar in the blood increases, the nerves and blood vessels start to get damaged. In this case, the coronary artery is blocked. Due to obstruction in the coronary artery, oxygen and nutrients do not reach the heart. It increases the risk of heart disease.

Ways to avoid such risks

Regular health checks

Diabetic patients should have the following tests regularly.

Blood sugar: Fasting and postprandial (after eating) sugar testing should be done regularly.

HbAvanc test: This test measures the average blood sugar level for the last two to three months. This should be done at least twice a year.

Blood pressure: High blood pressure is caused by heart disease and other complications. Therefore, blood pressure should be measured regularly.

Cholesterol Test: The level of cholesterol in the blood should be checked. Especially the level of LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) should be checked from time to time.

Kidney function test: To measure the condition of the kidneys, the creatinine level in the blood and the albumin level in the urine should be checked.

Eye exams: Regular eye exams should be done to check for the possibility of retinopathy, which includes a fundoscopic examination.

Neuropathy test: The sensitivity of the organs should be tested, which measures the condition of their neuropathy.

A healthy lifestyle

Balanced diet: Eat low carbohydrate, low sugar and high fiber foods. A diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals helps control blood sugar.

Regular exercise: It is necessary to exercise at least 30 minutes daily. It helps in controlling blood sugar levels.

Quit smoking and drinking: Smoking and drinking can have a negative effect on the heart and kidneys. Therefore, smoking and drinking should be avoided.

Drug treatment

You should take medicine regularly as per the doctor's advice. Complications can be reduced by taking the right amount of medicine and having regular check-ups.

Regular counseling

You should meet the doctor regularly and get information about your health condition. According to the doctor's advice, you should change your medication, diet and lifestyle.

Timely treatment is very important to prevent complications of diabetes. This is possible with regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle and taking medicines as per the doctor's advice.