What Is Metformin And How Does It Work?

Medication & treatments

What is metformin and how does it work?

A simple guide to how metformin works, how to take it and possible side effects.

Important points

Metformin is a first-choice medication for type 2 diabetes.
It helps to lower blood sugar and improve the way your body uses insulin.
It is usually well tolerated, but can cause side effects in some people.
Do not stop metformin without speaking to your healthcare team.

What is metformin?

Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is often recommended as the first medicine to help lower blood sugar.

It belongs to a group of medicines called biguanides.

The main types of carbohydrate

Sugars

Found in foods like fruit, milk, honey and sweets.

Starches

Found in foods like potatoes, rise, Oots, bread and pasta.

Fibre

Found in foods like vegetables, beans, wholegrains and fruit.

Watch: how to build a balanced fakeaway bowl

A quick guide to building a delicious fakeaway that supports your blood sugar.

Watch: how metformin works

A short video explaining how metformin helps lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.

FAQs

What is metformin used for?

Metformin is a prescription medicine commonly used to help manage type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and improving the body’s response to insulin.

How does metformin work?

Metformin works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver, improving insulin sensitivity, and helping the body use glucose more effectively.

Does metformin cause side effects?

Some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhoea, particularly when starting treatment. These symptoms often improve as the body adjusts to the medication.

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