Due to many unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits, there are more and more patients with diabetes. Although diabetes itself may not seem too serious, it is actually very painful, incurable, requiring long-term monitoring of blood sugar levels to prevent the onset of complications.
I believe that many diabetes patients have heard of metformin, which is one of the basic drugs for diabetes patients. But now there is a saying: metformin is not good for patients’ health. So, is the real situation like this?
Case:
Mr. Liu, 57 years old this year, has had diabetes since he was young, almost for more than a decade. Not long ago, he saw online claims that “metformin can harm the liver,” which made Mr. Liu very fearful because he had been taking the medication for more than ten years and was always afraid of compromising his health.
With a sense of unease, Mr. Liu consulted a doctor at the hospital, asking if taking metformin long-term would harm his body.
Why are many “sugar friends” unwilling to take metformin?
1. High toxicity, liver and kidney damage
The liver is an organ that metabolizes toxins, but after metformin is consumed, it is absorbed through the intestines and does not undergo liver metabolism, so the claim that it harms the liver and kidneys is unfounded.
Doctors say: If someone with advanced liver cirrhosis or impaired liver and kidney function takes it, there may be a risk of lactic acidosis, but if taken according to the prescribed dosage, it will not cause damage.
2. Gastrointestinal discomfort
It is normal to experience nausea and upset stomach when taking metformin, especially in the early stages of treatment. Therefore, for patients concerned about gastric issues, it is recommended to start with a small dose. The side effects will gradually disappear, and stopping the medication halfway should be avoided.
3. Long-term use may become ineffective
Some people believe that prolonged use of metformin will lead to the body developing resistance, and the drug’s blood sugar-lowering effects will diminish. But doctors point out that as the first-choice medication for type 2 diabetes, even with long-term use, it will not lose its effectiveness.
After being diagnosed with diabetes, one thing is very important, that is monitoring blood sugar levels. Without proper blood sugar monitoring, it is difficult to control blood sugar effectively.
When measuring blood sugar levels, sugar friends must pay attention to the following:
1. Calibrate the blood glucose meter regularly;
2. Follow the correct steps for blood glucose measurement (blood sampling should be done on the side of the finger, not the fingertip or finger pad);
3. Do not change or discontinue medication without consulting a healthcare provider before measuring blood glucose;
4. Ensure accurate timing for blood sampling;
5. Properly clean hands before blood glucose testing and maintain the cleanliness of the blood glucose meter;
6. Choose the appropriate time intervals for monitoring blood sugar based on the patient’s condition;
7. Ensure an adequate amount of blood for testing;
8. Avoid vigorous exercise and alcohol consumption.
If you want to stabilize blood sugar, regular physical exercise is essential.
In addition to supplementing with blood sugar-lowering nutrients, exercise can help consume body sugar, thereby reducing blood sugar levels. It can also improve hormone secretion and enhance insulin secretion, promoting overall physical and mental health.
Reference: “Application of Metformin in the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes and Its Impact on Blood Sugar” by Jian-Gang Shan, 2021
