In today’s society, unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits are gradually leading to a sharp rise in the number of diabetes patients. Diabetes, a seemingly mild but actually secretly painful chronic disease, cannot be completely cured. Patients also need to rigorously monitor their blood sugar levels to prevent various complications.
In diabetes treatment, metformin, as a foundational medication, is widely known among patients. However, there has been a recent circulating viewpoint claiming that metformin may have adverse effects on patients’ health. This raises doubts about the truth.
Taking Mr. Liu, 57 years old, as an example, he unfortunately developed diabetes at a young age and has been battling with the disease for over a decade. Recently, he came across claims online about metformin possibly harming the liver, which made him fearful. After all, he has been reliant on this medication for over a decade and worries about potential harm to his body.
With an uneasy heart, Mr. Liu visited the hospital to consult with a doctor about whether long-term use of metformin could harm the body, hoping for a professional answer.
Metformin: the “gold standard” of diabetes treatment, the nearly perfect drug behind
Among numerous diabetes treatment medications, metformin stands out for its outstanding effectiveness and low side effects, being hailed as the “gold standard” of diabetes treatment.
As a long-standing oral anti-diabetic drug, what unique features does metformin possess that give it such a high status among diabetes patients?
The miraculous efficacy of metformin
1. Significant glucose-lowering effect
Metformin mainly lowers blood sugar by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis, increasing peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin, and slowing down glucose absorption in the intestines. Clinical trials have shown that metformin has a significant effect on blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients, reducing levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
2. Improved insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is a major pathophysiological characteristic of type 2 diabetes. Metformin can increase the number and affinity of insulin receptors in peripheral tissues, enhance insulin sensitivity, and thus improve insulin resistance.
3. Multiple additional benefits
Metformin not only has a significant glucose-lowering effect but also offers various additional benefits. Research has found that metformin can reduce the weight of diabetes patients, decrease the risk of cardiovascular complications, and even potentially have anti-tumor and anti-aging effects.
Clinical applications of metformin
1. Monotherapy
For type 2 diabetes patients with poor blood sugar control, metformin can be used as the preferred monotherapy. Studies have shown that metformin monotherapy can lower glycated hemoglobin levels and improve blood sugar control.
2. Combination therapy
Combining metformin with other anti-diabetic medications can have a synergistic effect, further improving blood glucose control. For example, combining metformin with sulfonylureas, insulin, or thiazolidinediones can reduce blood sugar fluctuations and lower the risk of complications.
The secrets behind the nearly perfect drug
1. In-depth research
Metformin has been studied for decades, with scientists conducting in-depth research on its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties, etc., making it a mature and reliable anti-diabetic drug.
2. Pharmacoeconomic advantages
Metformin has a low production cost and is affordable, leading to its widespread use globally. In China, metformin has been included in the medical insurance catalog, providing economically favorable treatment options for diabetes patients.
Metformin’s significant advantages, why do many “diabetes buddies” resist taking it? Doctors reveal: three major misconceptions need to be clarified!
Diabetes is a common chronic disease that troubles many patients. Among diabetes medications, metformin is widely recommended for its good glucose-lowering effects and safety.
However, many diabetes patients have concerns about metformin and even resist taking it. Doctors suggest that this may stem from the following misconceptions.
Misconception one: Metformin can lead to lactic acidosis
Many diabetes patients believe that metformin increases the risk of lactic acidosis. In reality, when used at normal doses, the occurrence rate of lactic acidosis with metformin is extremely low. Statistics show that the incidence of lactic acidosis is approximately 1/100000, with the vast majority occurring in patients with severe kidney impairment. Therefore, as long as diabetes patients pay attention to the dosage and kidney function when using metformin, the risk of lactic acidosis is manageable.
Misconception two: Metformin affects kidney function
Some diabetes patients worry that long-term use of metformin may burden the kidneys and lead to impaired kidney function. In fact, metformin has little impact on the kidneys. Multiple studies indicate that metformin not only does not increase the burden on the kidneys but also helps reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease in diabetes patients. Additionally, metformin can improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and thus reduce the burden on the kidneys.
Misconception three: Metformin causes malnutrition
Some diabetes patients believe that metformin affects appetite, leading to malnutrition. In reality, metformin has minimal impact on appetite and any potential nutritional deficiencies can be addressed by adjusting dietary structure. Furthermore, metformin can lower blood sugar levels, aiding in improving the nutritional status of diabetes patients.
So why are many “diabetes buddies” still unwilling to take metformin? The following reasons are worth exploring:
1. Lack of proper understanding: Many diabetes patients have insufficient knowledge about metformin, believing in misinformation, which leads to fear of the medication.
2. Side effects of medication: Although metformin has minimal side effects, some patients may still experience gastrointestinal discomfort and other reactions, affecting their willingness to take it.
3. Psychological factors: Diabetes patients who take medications long-term may develop psychological burdens. Some patients fear developing dependency on metformin with prolonged use, hence resisting it.
4. Dietary control: Some diabetes patients think strict dietary control alone can effectively manage blood sugar without needing additional medication.
To address these issues, doctors recommend:
1. Enhance diabetes education, improve patients’ understanding of metformin, and dispel misconceptions.
2. Address patients’ psychological needs, provide psychological support to reduce psychological burdens.
3. Encourage patients to actively participate in treatment, follow medical advice, and use medications rationally.
4. Suggest that patients use metformin rationally on top of dietary control to achieve better treatment outcomes.
In conclusion, metformin is a safe and effective medication for diabetes treatment. Diabetes patients should dispel misconceptions, have a correct understanding of metformin, use it rationally, and strive for good treatment outcomes. Additionally, doctors should closely monitor patients’ conditions, adjust treatment plans, and ensure the quality of life for diabetes patients.
