Essay Example on Metformin: Approved Diabetes Medication to Reduce Glucose Levels

It is worth mentioning that metformin is a drug that has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to be used as a prescription medication in the treatment of diabetes. Notably, this medication is administered to decrease the production of hepatic glucose levels to reduce the rate of glucose absorption as well as to increase the sensitivity of target cell insulin (Cefalu et al., 2014). Therefore, metformin medication is a treatment that is given as an assistant to diet, lifestyle changes like weight loss to improve blood sugar level in adults with type 2 diabetes, as well as exercise. However, patients with type 2 diabetes will need to take insulin through the injection process.

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It should be noted that metformin does not cause any gain in weight (Cefalu et al., 2014). The aim of this paper is to discuss metformin medication through an adequate exploration of any information related to metformin medication. The paper will further look at the uses, various side effects of metformin medication, the required dosage, treatment as well as drug images. Finally, the paper shall explore alternatives to metformin medication.

As stated above, it is essential to note that metformin is used alongside proper diet and exercise plans as well as with other medications to control blood sugar levels. Mostly, it is administered to patients with type 2 diabetes (Cefalu et al., 2014). Understandably, this process of controlling and regulating blood sugar levels helps in the prevention of kidney damage, nerve problems, blindness, sexual function difficulties, and the loss of limbs. Further, it is essential to note that efficient and proper control of diabetes may help to decrease the risks of heart attack or even stroke. Metformin medication functions by aiding in the restoration of the body's insulin that is naturally produced by the body (Cefalu et al., 2014). Moreover, it helps in the reduction of the amount of sugar that the liver makes and also that which the intestines absorb.

It is, however, vital to note that metformin medication has some side effects. Such problems like vomiting, stomach upset, weakness, nausea as well as bad taste in the mouth may occur. It is, therefore, advisable that if any of these side effects worsen or persist, then a physician should be consulted accordingly (Cefalu et al., 2014). In any case, stomach symptom appears later after taking the dose for sometimes, then the doctor should be informed right away. The symptoms that occur in the stomach after the initial days of the dosage may be as a result of signs of lactic acidosis. Notably, metformin medication does not always lead to a low blood sugar level (Cefalu et al., 2014). However, the low blood sugar level may only occur if metformin is administered alongside other diabetes medications.

Some of the symptoms of low blood sugar are shaking, blurred vision, hunger, dizziness, fast heartbeat, among others. It is worth noting that low blood sugar level is likely is someone drinks a lot of alcohol, do heavy exercise as well as if one does not consume calories (Cefalu et al., 2014). As mentioned above, to be able to prevent low blood sugar levels, one should consume meals regularly and should not skip any meal. As opposed to low blood pressure, the symptoms of high blood pressure are feelings of confusion, drowsiness, increased urination, and rapid breathing. Notably. In case these side effects of taking metformin medication become severe, a physician should be consulted (Cefalu et al., 2014).

Just like other medications, the dosage of metformin also depends on the medical condition of the patient, how the patient responds to the dosage as well as other medication that the patient may be taking. Therefore, the patient should be honest enough to disclose to the doctor all the products they are currently using. To be able to reduce any risks of the side effects of this medication, the patient may be directed to commence administering low doses and gradually increase the dosage with time (Cefalu et al., 2014). To be able to get the best out of metformin, the medication should be taken regularly as per the doctor's prescription.

Considering the pricing of metformin, the drug is quite inexpensive. In most cases, this medication used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes is popular as compared to other drugs (Cefalu et al., 2014). Metformin is always available in both the generic and brand versions. It should be understood that the generic type metformin is covered by the majority of insurance and Medicare plans; however, some cash or pharmacy coupon prices may be sold at a lower price. The most prevalent version of metformin is sold at around $15, which is about two percent off the normal average retail cost of approximately $15.90 (Cefalu et al., 2014).

One of the important tips that patients should be aware of concerning metformin medication is that type 2 diabetes can be controlled by exercise and proper diet. By adhering to a special diet as well as exercise will be significant even when a patient is taking metformin medication. Hence for the drug to be effective, the amount of metformin taken must be in balance to the amount of food that the patient consumes as well as the amount of exercise done (Cefalu et al., 2014). Because of this, if the patient changes their exercise or diet, they should test their blood sugar level to know whether it is too low or not.

When the prescriptions are properly followed, metformin medication is an effective means of treating high blood sugar levels caused by diabetes mellitus (Cefalu et al., 2014). As a result of this diabetes type, the insulin that is produced by the pancreas alone cannot get sugar into the body cells where it can function effectively. Metformin can be used alone or with alternative medications such as oral antidiabetic medicine known as a sulfonylurea or even with insulin, which together helps to lower blood sugar level when it goes high (Cefalu et al., 2014).

Metformin is in the class of drugs known as biguanides. Understandably, a class of drugs is a combination of medications that perform similar functions alongside working similarly. The following are some of the images of the metformin drug.

References

Cefalu, W. T., Buse, J. B., Del Prato, S., Home, P. D., LeRoith, D., Nauck, M. A., ... & Riddle, M. C. (2014). Beyond metformin: safety considerations in the decision-making process for selecting a second medication for type 2 diabetes management: reflections from a diabetes care editors' expert forum. www.care.diabetesjournals.org/content/37/9/2647.short