Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the world. Each year, the number of cases doubles. Diabetes mellitus develops in metabolic disorders of two types - if the body does not sufficiently produce its own insulin (the first type) and if the effect of insulin on the tissues is disturbed (the second type). Type 2 diabetes occurs in 80-90 percent of all cases and is often complicated by an unpleasant factor such as obesity. In the treatment of the disease, the drug “Metformin” has proven itself in the best way - tablets, which, due to their properties, have become very popular among those who want to lose weight, although they are not ill with diabetes.
What is Metformin?
"Metformin" and its analogues - hypoglycemic drugs prescribed in the treatment of diabetes - primarily of the second type, but in some cases, the drug is taken with the first type. Since its introduction in 1957, Metformin remains the leading drug in the treatment of diabetes, especially with complications such as obesity. Insulin promotes the deposition of fat, and Metformin, reducing the insulin content in the body, helps to get rid of it. It is due to this action that many people use Metformin as diet pills.
The composition of the tablets "Metformin"
The composition of the tablets includes the active substance metformin hydrochloride, which is made from natural substances that are obtained from French lilac and goat root. Excipients of the drug are talc, corn starch, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, as well as povidone K90, crospovidone and macrogol 6000.
Indications for Metformin
First of all, “Metformin” - tablets that are prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus without a tendency to ketoacidosis (impaired carbohydrate metabolism due to lack of insulin). The drug is especially indicated for obesity if the diet therapy is ineffective. Also, with obesity, it can be prescribed in combination with insulin.
With such a diagnosis as diabetes mellitus, Metformin tablets are prescribed both as an independent drug, and in combination with sugar-lowering drugs of other groups, if we are talking about the second type. In the first type, it is prescribed as an addition to the main insulin therapy.
Recent scientific studies have shown that Metformin is also successfully used in the treatment of diabetes-related oncologies.
Metformin action
Metformin increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin. Blood glucose and cholesterol levels decrease. The active ingredients of the drug activate the process of fat oxidation, do not allow carbohydrates to be absorbed, and thereby prevent the accumulation of fats in the body.
Insulin starts the process of fat deposition, especially in problem areas (particularly on the stomach). Therefore, most diets are based on removing foods that increase sugar levels from the diet. Metformin also suppresses hunger caused by insulin.
Release form and dosage
"Metformin" - coated tablets of 500, 850 and 1000 mg, which are available in blisters of 10 pieces each, have a white color. Therapy begins with 500-1000 mg per day, that is, 1-2 tablets. The dose, depending on the level of sugar in the blood, after the first 10-15 days of therapy can be gradually increased, but should be taken no more than 3000 mg per day. The maintenance dose is 1000-2000 mg (3-4 tablets). "Metformin" instructions also do not recommend taking in a dosage of more than 1000 mg per day for the elderly.
Tablets are taken whole during or after a meal, washed down with water. Sometimes the question arises as to whether the tablet ("Metformin") can be divided in half. If we are talking about a dose of 500 mg, then this is impractical, since a lower dose does not give the desired effect, moreover, it is not recommended to break the membrane if it covers the tablet. If it is simply difficult to swallow because of its size, then it can be divided in two and taken in parts - but immediately, one part after another.
Since Metformin can give side effects in the gastrointestinal tract, the daily dose should not be taken at once, but in two or three doses during the day, preferably with meals. If serious metabolic disturbances are observed, the dose must be reduced.
In case you should take other drugs at the same time that you are taking Metformin (tablets), the instructions for use contain information about which medicines can be combined with Metformin and which cannot. It is also necessary to consult with your doctor about the interaction of various drugs with Metformin.
Analogs
In most cases, patients are interested in analogues of drugs - cheaper or more effective, including if they need pills for diabetes. "Metformin" has many analogues that have a similar principle of action. First of all, these are Glucofage and Siofor, one of the most popular alternatives to Metformin, as well as a number of other drugs that have the same active substance, as a result of which they act similarly on the body and have the same indications for use as Metformin tablets. Reviews of analogues can be read on the Internet, you can also compare instructions for use to draw conclusions and choose the best drug.
Analogs of Metformin are:
- Bagomet;
- Hexal
- Glycon;
- Gliminfor;
- "Metospanin";
- "Metfogamma" (500, 850, 1000);
- Nova Met;
- NovoFormin;
- Sofamet;
- "Formin" and some others.
- Siofor (500, 850, 1000) - a German drug taken orally, has a hypoglycemic effect, an excellent replacement for insulin injections.
As for Glucofage, it is more expensive than Metformin, but when it is taken, patients are 50 percent less likely to suffer from disorders of the gastrointestinal system. "Glucophage" is indicated for the second type of diabetes, it is used both independently and in combination with other drugs. The “Glucophage Long” variation has an extended validity period.
Basically, all these drugs have the same principle of exposure to the body, as they have one active substance in their basis.
There are also dietary supplements that help lower blood glucose levels:
- “Vijar” (also reduces cholesterol, activates the immune system, and prevents the development of viral and bacterial infections);
- "Spirulina" (useful in metabolic disorders, in the fight against excess weight);
- Glucberry (reduces the risk of complications of diabetes) and others.
However, dietary supplements can not be considered a complete replacement for the drug, they can be used as an addition to the main treatment. In addition, before taking dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor about this.
"Metformin" for diabetes
"Metformin" is one of the best antidiabetic drugs today. It is very effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, it can be taken in combination with insulin, and the dose is selected depending on the amount of glucose in the blood.
In the treatment of diabetes, it suppresses glucogenesis without affecting the level of insulin in the blood. It also enhances blood circulation in the liver, due to which glucose quickly turns into glycogen.
In the treatment of the second type of diabetes , Metformin can be prescribed for life. If it is prescribed in combination with other hypoglycemic agents, it is necessary to monitor the level of glucose in order to avoid hypoglycemia. With a separate dose of the drug, hypoglycemia does not develop.
In addition, it is used in the treatment of patients with obesity, which often accompanies diabetes, as it suppresses appetite and reduces the absorption of glucose from food in the digestive tract.
In the first type, the drug is used as an adjunct to insulin and other diabetic drugs; it can only be taken separately for type 2 diabetes. At the beginning of treatment with Metformin, the administration of other hypoglycemic agents must be stopped.
Treatment with Metformin also has a beneficial effect in the presence of metabolic syndrome and impaired lipid metabolism.
Metabolic syndrome is a state of the body in which a number of factors are combined: carbohydrate metabolism is impaired, the patient suffers from arterial hypertension, obesity, etc. The syndrome is accompanied by an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The basis of this condition is insulin resistance, which, according to recent scientific studies, is closely linked to diabetes and vascular damage.
As for lipid metabolism disorders, as a result of the studies, it turned out that the level of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL decreases if you take Metformin diabetes tablets. Scientists' comments on this drug also contain information about its effectiveness in the prevention of type 2 diabetes in violation of tolerance to carbohydrates.
"Metformin" for weight loss
The special properties of the drug and the proven weight loss in patients with diabetes have led to the fact that Metformin has become popular among those who want to lose weight.
Despite the fact that the drug does start processes that help burn excess fat and prevent new fat deposits from forming, it should be used with caution by people who are not with diabetes, and it is important to take into account a number of conditions.
First of all, it is necessary to remember that the drug itself does not burn fat, but only helps to use up its excesses if it is also accompanied by active physical activity and a special diet. "Metformin" - tablets are not miraculous properties, but only an additional tool. Even among doctors there is no unequivocal opinion about who can take Metformin tablets: the benefits and harms of the body from this drug should be evaluated individually in each case. Some doctors prescribe it in order for the patient to quickly lose weight, others consider it very harmful to the body. Therefore, when losing weight with the help of Metformin, a preliminary examination and specialist consultation is necessary in order to make the right decision.
Next, you need to consider a number of contraindications. For example, if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes without producing insulin, you can prescribe Metformin and solve problems with weight loss only with the help of an endocrinologist.
In no case should you take the drug for kidney, heart, pulmonary failure, liver disease, anemia.
The drug cannot be used when the body is weakened - after operations, injuries, serious illnesses, it should be avoided during acute infectious diseases.
It is forbidden to take "Metformin" if you adhere to a low-calorie diet.
The main processes that occur in the body against the background of Metformin therapy and contribute to weight loss are:
- rapid fat oxidation;
- decreased carbohydrate absorption
- better glucose uptake by muscle tissue;
- decreased hunger, resulting in decreased body weight.
With uncontrolled weight loss with the help of this drug, side effects are frequent, especially if you have taken a larger dose than is allowed according to the instructions. In addition to significant gastrointestinal problems, you can become weak, drowsy, lethargic, lactic acidosis and other serious pathologies can develop.
Also, when taking Metformin, you must follow a diet. It excludes sweets, pasta, potatoes, spirits. Food should be regular, you should not starve, but at the same time, the nutritional value should not exceed 2500 kcal per day. During this period you need to drink as much as possible ordinary plain water.
Despite the fact that Metformin eliminates the need to engage in heavy physical exercises, this does not mean that any physical activity can be avoided. Morning exercises, outdoor activities, persistent physical activity in combination with the drug will help get rid of excess fat much faster. Do not hope that Metformin will do everything for you without any extra effort on your part!
Do not get involved in the drug and take it on the principle “the more the better”: you should not exceed the dosage if you are taking Metformin (tablets). Instructions for use give clear instructions on the maximum dose of the product, if not observed, it can significantly harm the body. In addition, this drug can be taken no longer than three months, then you need to take a break.
Now you can find many reviews of those who took Metformin diet pills. The reviews are quite diverse: someone got rid of excess fat quickly and for a long time, someone was prevented by bad habits or side effects. But in general, we can conclude that those whom Metformin helped take it under the supervision of a doctor, after examinations, while observing the necessary diet and not neglecting physical exercises.
Contraindications to Metformin
Before starting Metformin therapy, regardless of whether you have diabetes or want to lose weight, you need to familiarize yourself with the impressive list of contraindications and consult a doctor.
Contraindications include renal, cardiac, pulmonary failure, severe liver and biliary tract pathologies; chronic pathology of the respiratory organs. The drug can not be taken in the post-traumatic and postoperative periods, as well as after myocardial infarction in the rehabilitation period. Reception "Metformin" is contraindicated in infectious and inflammatory processes and exacerbations of any chronic diseases, severe forms of anemia.
The drug is prohibited during pregnancy and lactation. When planning a pregnancy or its occurrence while taking Metformin, the drug must be abandoned and switched to insulin therapy. Breastfeeding, if there is a need for treatment with Metformin, should be canceled, because there is no data on the effect of the drug on breast milk, but even a small fraction of the drug that has got into milk is dangerous for the baby, as the age of 18 is among the contraindications years. "Metformin" is not prescribed for children and adolescents under the age of 18 years.
Also, "Metformin" can not be taken with alcoholism and with acute alcohol poisoning. In general, you should refuse to take alcohol and ethanol-containing medicines if you are taking Metformin. The fact is that the combination of ethanol and metformin even in small doses provokes the rapid development of lactocytosis, up to a fatal outcome.
It is dangerous to take "Metformin" with constant low-calorie and "hungry" diets.
It can not be taken to people over 60 years old if they are engaged in heavy physical labor, in order to avoid the development of lactic acidosis.
During treatment, patients need to monitor renal function, monitor the level of plasma lactate, serum creatinine.
Side effects of the drug
"Metformin" provokes a number of side effects. Therefore, during therapy, it is necessary to carefully monitor the state of your body and if you have complaints, consult a doctor immediately, especially if you are taking the drug not according to the indications and doctor's prescription, but on your own.
First of all, the drug causes malfunctions from the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, such unpleasant manifestations as:
- nausea;
- severe vomiting;
- persistent diarrhea;
- flatulence;
- loss of appetite;
- the appearance in the mouth of a metallic taste;
- the appearance of abdominal pain.
The patient may also complain of respiratory failure, tachycardia, rashes and peeling on the skin, often with itching.
A rare but dangerous side effect is lactic acidosis. With lactic acidosis, lactic acid enters the bloodstream, the first symptoms of the disease are weakness, drowsiness, increased fatigue, increasing nausea, and vomiting.
With prolonged use of the drug, liver dysfunctions are possible.
If you notice at least one of these manifestations, you should immediately consult a doctor, telling him that you are taking Metformin tablets. The benefit and harm to the body in this case may be unequal, you may not need to take the drug and you need to find another option for treatment or weight loss.
Summary
"Metformin" is the most effective pill for type 2 diabetes."Metformin" also helps to reduce weight, but it is worth remembering that this drug is not a panacea, it will not replace a low-carb diet and physical activity. Therapy "Metformin" should be accompanied by monitoring the level of glucose in the blood and the rejection of bad habits, including food. If you want to lose weight with it, do not give up the gym, eat right and do not forget that it is first of all a serious medicine, it is designed to fight diabetes, so you need to take it carefully and only after consulting a doctor.