Metformin is a prescription drug that successfully treats type 2 diabetes. Metformin is also approved for improving fertility in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and has many other benefits and “off-label” uses, such as insulin resistance and even cancer. However, metformin also has several adverse side effects and should be taken with caution.<\/p>\n
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Metformin is classified as a biguanide. It\u2019s used as a first-line drug treatment for type 2 diabetes and PCOS. Doctors may prescribe it for its “off-label” use in people with conditions such as insulin<\/a> resistance<\/a> and even cancer. It is the most commonly prescribed anti-diabetic medication in the world [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Metformin adjusts cellular energy consumption<\/b> by targeting the liver, preventing it from creating more sugar (glucose<\/a>), and inhibiting a hormone <\/b>(glucagon<\/b><\/a>) responsible for increasing blood sugar levels<\/b>. It also decreases the absorption of glucose in the gut and increases insulin sensitivity<\/a> [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The effect of metformin on blood sugar levels can be attributed to AMPK<\/a>, an enzyme that controls the production and storage of energy in cells by regulating when muscle cells should increase their sugar uptake from the blood [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Recently, attention has shifted to non-AMPK mechanisms, often involving mitochondria<\/a>, the parts of cells responsible for energy production [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Type 2 diabetes coexists with insulin<\/a> resistance and patients develop extremely high blood sugar levels. Metformin lowers blood sugar, preventing permanent organ damage, which could eventually lead to dysfunction and failure [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Metformin exerts its effects through AMPK<\/a>, which initiates the uptake of sugar from the blood into muscles. Metformin has been shown to increase AMPK, which leads to more sugar being taken from the blood into tissues. As a result, the drug lowers blood sugar concentrations [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n On the other hand, mitochondria are responsible for cellular energy production. Metformin may decrease blood sugar by inhibiting the production of new glucose<\/b> (gluconeogenesis<\/b>) from noncarbohydrates <\/b>such as lactate<\/a>, glycerol, and some amino acids [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A clinical trial on over 3,000 people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes showed that those treated with metformin had a 31% lower occurrence of type 2 diabetes<\/b> compared to placebo. Metformin was somehow more effective in preventing diabetes in patients with relatively high BMI and blood sugar levels [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder often aggravated by obesity<\/a> and insulin<\/a> resistance. Metformin treats PCOS symptoms, such as irregular ovulation or menstrual cycles, and the excess of insulin in the body [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It has also been shown to treat other PCOS symptoms by reducing BMI and testosterone<\/a> levels [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Furthermore, metformin assists fertility and increases the chance of successful pregnancy and reduces the risk of early miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and inflammation associated with PCOS [R<\/a>].<\/p>\nMechanism of Action<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Uses of Metformin<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Approved Uses<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
1) Treating and Preventing Type 2 Diabetes<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
2) PCOS Symptoms <\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Off-Label Uses<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n