- \n
- Heartburn<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stomach pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Nausea or vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bloating<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Diarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Headache<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Metallic taste in your mouth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While rare, taking too much metformin<\/a> can result in a dangerous condition called lactic acidosis, which can be fatal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There have been very few reports of lactic acidosis from metformin<\/a> use, and many of the reports are from intentional overdoses. Taking metformin as prescribed comes with a very low risk of lactic acidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/HTRD-3-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat can metformin be used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Metformin is only approved to treat type 2 diabetes, but it has also been used \u201coff-label\u201d to treat other health conditions. Regardless of the condition it\u2019s used to treat, metformin requires a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metformin for type 2 diabetes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Metformin is considered a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. That means that you\u2019re likely to be prescribed metformin first after you\u2019ve been diagnosed with diabetes<\/a>.
Metformin is often used with other type 2 diabetes medications since it doesn\u2019t come with a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).<\/p>\n\n\n\nOne of the benefits of metformin is that it\u2019s effective while being considered safe and affordable. Metformin may lower hemoglobin A1c levels by as much as 1.5%, which is significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from lowering blood sugar levels, metformin has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality compared to other diabetes medications such as insulin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, patients with kidney problems didn\u2019t have any significant adverse effects, which means that metformin is a good alternative for those with kidney disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metformin for weight loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While it isn\u2019t a weight loss drug, taking metformin might help you lose a modest amount of weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to studies<\/a> on metformin weight loss results<\/a>, metformin has resulted in weight loss ranging around 2.7 kilograms (almost six pounds), while some other studies haven\u2019t noticed a significant difference in weight loss compared to placebos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metformin might cause weight loss by reducing your appetite due to its gastrointestinal side effects, like nausea and vomiting. It also helps with weight loss by improving insulin resistance, which can result in weight gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metformin for PCOS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where a woman\u2019s ovaries produce too many androgens, a type of male sex hormone. The ovaries also form many small, fluid-filled sacs called cysts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. High levels of androgens can make it difficult to ovulate, which is when an egg is released to be fertilized. PCOS patients typically have long, irregular menstrual cycles since they don\u2019t ovulate very often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is estimated to impact 4-20% of women of reproductive age worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The primary cause of PCOS is insulin resistance, the same as type 2 diabetes. Having PCOS increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Studies<\/a> on metformin for PCOS<\/a> have shown that metformin treatment is helpful by increasing ovulation rates<\/a> in women with PCOS, which can help patients achieve pregnancy if desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metformin treatment has been shown to inhibit androgen production, which can help lessen some of the unwanted side effects of PCOS, like unwanted hair growth, male-pattern balding, and other symptoms of PCOS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lowering testosterone levels<\/a> (the main type of androgen) can help achieve hormonal balance and help regulate menstrual cycles in women with PCOS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, a study<\/a> found that obese women lost weight due to metformin treatment. Weight loss<\/a> can improve PCOS symptoms related to insulin-resistant PCOS<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metformin for prediabetes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prediabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prediabetes is the main risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes and will turn into diabetes in most cases if lifestyle changes aren\u2019t made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some healthcare providers might treat their patients with prediabetes with metformin to lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a meta-analysis of three studies<\/a>, treating prediabetes with metformin reduced the conversion into type 2 diabetes on both lower and higher doses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another study<\/a> on metformin for prediabetes<\/a> found that metformin reduced the rate of diabetes by 43% in those patients with more severe impaired glucose tolerance (the term for having higher blood sugar levels).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can metformin be used in type 1 diabetes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Type 1 diabetes is different from type 2 diabetes because it\u2019s an autoimmune condition that destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The risk factors for type 1 diabetes aren\u2019t as well-known as type 2 diabetes, and the disease is usually diagnosed in childhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metformin isn\u2019t meant to treat type 1 diabetes, but some studies have shown that it could have some benefits in people with type 1 diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a small study<\/a>, metformin helped lower blood glucose levels, reduced insulin requirements, and decreased body weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another study<\/a> explained how some providers used metformin \u201coff-label\u201d to help reduce insulin requirements in people with type 1 diabetes. One of the advantages of lowering insulin requirements is that it may help prevent weight gain associated with taking insulin, as well as help reduce the risk of low blood sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How long does metformin take to work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Metformin starts to work quickly and will likely begin to show some effects within 48 hours of your first dose. It can take up to four weeks to reach your target dose, so you should give the medication at least that long to assess how it\u2019s working for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best way to assess how metformin works is to check your blood sugar levels at home with a glucometer. A good time to check is in the morning after you wake up and before you eat anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your healthcare provider will likely want to check your hemoglobin A1c within 3-6 months after you start taking metformin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A hemoglobin A1c test measures your average blood sugar control over a longer period of time (the past 60-90 days) to assess long-term blood sugar control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"glyco](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Glucose-Control-Inline-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCan you take metformin long-term?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Metformin has been used for several decades and is believed to be safe to take long-term. Taking metformin long-term isn\u2019t associated with any major risks or health complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, observational studies<\/a> on metformin and cancer risk<\/a> have noted that patients with diabetes taking metformin have significantly lower risks of getting and dying from cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to increase the effectiveness of metformin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Take metformin as prescribed.<\/strong> Regularly skipping doses will reduce the effectiveness of metformin and could increase your risk of diabetes complications. If you have difficulty sticking with your medication regimen, speak to your healthcare provider about your potential options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Aim to be physically active. <\/strong>Being physically active can help lower your blood sugar and lower high cholesterol levels (having diabetes is associated with having high cholesterol). Strive to be active for at least 30 minutes most days each week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t forget about your diet. <\/strong>Eating a diet low in added sugars and simple carbohydrates, high in fiber, and rich in protein can help promote healthy blood sugar levels and make metformin even more effective.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Metformin is approved to treat type 2 diabetes, but may also be used \u201coff-label\u201d to treat prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, PCOS, and for weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metformin works by reducing how much sugar your liver makes, as well as improving insulin sensitivity. It doesn\u2019t cause low blood sugar, which is one of its benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Metformin is considered a safe, affordable medication that patients can use long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explore More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"foods](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/metformin-diet-1024x256.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n - Don\u2019t forget about your diet. <\/strong>Eating a diet low in added sugars and simple carbohydrates, high in fiber, and rich in protein can help promote healthy blood sugar levels and make metformin even more effective.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Aim to be physically active. <\/strong>Being physically active can help lower your blood sugar and lower high cholesterol levels (having diabetes is associated with having high cholesterol). Strive to be active for at least 30 minutes most days each week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take metformin as prescribed.<\/strong> Regularly skipping doses will reduce the effectiveness of metformin and could increase your risk of diabetes complications. If you have difficulty sticking with your medication regimen, speak to your healthcare provider about your potential options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n