Metformin is a first-line medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by helping lower blood glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity. It works mainly by reducing glucose production in the liver and helping the body use insulin more effectively.

Benefits:

• Helps control blood sugar levels
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Generally weight-neutral and may support modest weight loss
• Helps reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications
• Well-established and widely prescribed treatment

Off-Label Uses:

• Prediabetes in people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to improve insulin resistance
• Occasionally used in metabolic syndrome and insulin-resistance states under specialist supervision

Potential Side Effects:

• Nausea, diarrhoea, or stomach discomfort
• Reduced appetite
• Long-term use may contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency
• Rarely, lactic acidosis in susceptible individuals

Common Use:

• Usually taken once or twice daily with food to reduce stomach side effects.
• Extended-release formulations may be taken once daily.
• Doses are adjusted gradually according to blood glucose control and tolerance.

Note: Kidney function should be checked before and during treatment, particularly in older adults or those with kidney disease