Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes treatment. Benefits for PCOS & Cancer. Importance of following instructions & regular check-ups.
How Metformin works in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Metformin is a medication that is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is classified as a biguanide and works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and improving the sensitivity of cells to insulin.
Metformin is often prescribed as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes because it is generally well-tolerated and has a low risk of causing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other diabetes medications.
Potential additional benefits: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Cancer
In addition to its use in diabetes treatment, metformin has been found to have other potential benefits. For example, research suggests that metformin may be useful in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects women’s hormones and can cause infertility. Metformin may help reduce the symptoms of PCOS by lowering the levels of insulin and androgens (male hormones) in the body.
Another potential benefit of metformin is that it may have anti-cancer properties. Some studies have suggested that metformin may be associated with a reduced risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and endometrial cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Importance of following instructions and regular check-ups
It should be noted that while metformin can be effective in managing type 2 diabetes, it is not a cure and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Also, Metformin should not be used in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, type 1 diabetes, and in those who have kidney or liver problems.
Overall, metformin is a widely used and well-established medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and it may have additional potential benefits for other conditions as well. It’s important to have regular checkups and follow the instructions and recommendations from your doctor if you’re taking metformin.