Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the world. The number of infected people doubles every year. Diabetes mellitus develops when there are two types of metabolic disorders - if the body does not produce enough of its own insulin (the first type) and if the effect of insulin on tissues is impaired (the second type). Type 2 diabetes occurs in 80-90 percent of all cases and is often complicated by such an unpleasant factor as obesity. In the treatment of the disease, the Metformin drug has proven itself in the best way - tablets that, due to their properties, have become very popular among those who want to lose weight, although they are not diabetic.
What is Metformin
"Metformin" and its analogues - hypoglycemic drugs prescribed in the treatment of diabetes - primarily of the second type, but in some cases the remedy is also taken in the first type. SinceSince its introduction in 1957, Metformin remains the leading drug in the treatment of diabetes, especially in the complication of obesity. Insulin promotes the deposition of fat, and Metformin, by reducing the amount of insulin in the body, helps to get rid of it. It is due to this action that many people use Metformin as diet pills.
Composition of Metformin tablets
The composition of the tablets includes the active ingredient metformin hydrochloride, which is made from natural substances that are obtained from French lilac and goat rue. The excipients of the drug are talc, corn starch, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, as well as povidone K90, crospovidone and macrogol 6000.
Indications for taking Metformin
First of all, "Metformin" - tablets that are prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus without a tendency to ketoacidosis (impaired carbohydrate metabolism due to lack of insulin). The drug is especially indicated for obese patients, if diet therapy was ineffective. Also, for obesity, it can be prescribed in combination with insulin.
With such a diagnosis as diabetes mellitus, Metformin tablets are prescribed both as an independent drug and in combination with other groups of hypoglycemic drugs, if we are talking about the second type. In the first type, it is prescribed as an addition to the main insulin therapy.
Recent scientific studies have shown that Metformin is also successfully used in the treatment of cancers associated with diabetes.
Metformin action
Metformin increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin. The level of glucose and cholesterol in the blood decreases. The active ingredients of the drug activate the process of fat oxidation, do not allow the absorption of carbohydrates and thus prevent the accumulation of fats in the body.
Insulin starts the process of fat deposition, especially in problem areas (in particular on the stomach). Therefore, most diets are based on eliminating foods that increase sugar levels from the diet. Metformin also suppresses insulin-induced hunger.
Form of release and dosage
"Metformin" - coated tablets, 500, 850 and 1000 mg, which are available in blisters of 10 pieces, are white. Begin therapy with 500-1000 mg per day, that is, 1-2 tablets. The dose, depending on the level of sugar in the blood, after the first 10-15 days of therapy can be gradually increased, but should not be taken more than 3000 mg per day. Maintenance dose - 1000-2000 mg (3-4 tablets). "Metformin" instruction also does not recommend taking more than 1000 mg per day for the elderly.
Pills are taken whole during or after meals, washed down with water. Sometimes the question arises as to whether it is possible to divide the tablet ("Metformin") in half. If we are talking about a dose of 500 mg, then it is not advisable to do this, since a smaller dose does not give the desired effect, and besides, it is not recommended to break the shell if it covers the tablet. If it is simply difficult to swallow because of its size, then it can be divided in two and taken in parts - but immediately,one part after another.
Since "Metformin" can give side effects in the gastrointestinal tract, the daily dose should be taken not at once, but in two or three doses during the day, preferably with meals. If serious metabolic disorders are observed, then the dose should be reduced.
In case you must take other drugs at the same time as taking Metformin (tablets), the instructions for use contain information on which medicines can and cannot be combined with Metformin. Also, be sure to consult with your doctor about the interaction of various drugs with Metformin.
Analogues
In most cases, patients are interested in analogues of drugs - cheaper or more effective, including if they need pills for diabetes. "Metformin" has many analogues that have a similar principle of action to it. First of all, these are Glucophage and Siofor, one of the most popular alternatives to Metformin, as well as a number of other drugs that have the same active substance, as a result of which they have a similar effect on the body and have the same indications for taking as Metformin tablets. You can read reviews about analogues on the Internet, you can also compare instructions for use in order to draw conclusions and choose the best drug.
Analogues of "Metformin" are:
- "Bagomet";
- "Hexal";
- Glycon;
- Glyminfor;
- Metospanin;
- Metfogamma (500, 850, 1000);
- Nova Met;
- NovoFormin;
- "Sofamet";
- Formetin and some others.
- "Siofor" (500, 850, 1000) - German drug taken orally, has a hypoglycemic effect, an excellent replacement for insulin injections.
As for Glucophage, it is more expensive than Metformin, but when taking it, patients are 50 percent less likely to suffer from disorders of the gastrointestinal system. "Glucophage" is indicated for the second type of diabetes, it is used both independently and in combination with other drugs. Variation "Glucophage Long" has an extended period of validity.
Basically, all these drugs have the same principle of action on the body, as they have one active substance at their core.
There are also dietary supplements that help lower blood glucose levels:
- "Vijar" (also lowers cholesterol, activates the immune system, prevents the development of viral and bacterial infections);
- "Spirulina" (useful for violations of metabolic processes, in the fight against excess weight);
- Glucoberry (reduces the risk of diabetes complications) and others.
However, dietary supplements cannot be considered a full-fledged replacement for the drug, they can be used as an addition to the main treatment. In addition, before taking dietary supplements, you should consult with your doctor about this.
Metformin for diabetes
Metformin is one of the best antidiabetic drugs on the market.present day. It is very effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it can be taken in combination with insulin, and the dose is selected depending on the amount of glucose in the blood.
In the treatment of diabetes, it inhibits glucogenesis without affecting blood levels of insulin. It also increases blood circulation in the liver, so that glucose is converted into glycogen faster.
In the treatment of type 2 diabetes, Metformin can be prescribed for life. If it is prescribed in combination with other hypoglycemic agents, it is necessary to monitor glucose levels to avoid hypoglycemia. With a separate intake of the drug, hypoglycemia does not develop.
In addition, it is used in the treatment of obese patients, which often accompanies diabetes, as it suppresses appetite and reduces the absorption of glucose from food in the gastrointestinal tract.
In the first type, the drug is used as an addition to insulin and other diabetic drugs, it can be taken separately only in type 2 diabetes. When starting treatment with Metformin, other hypoglycemic drugs should be stopped.
Metformin treatment also has a beneficial effect in the presence of metabolic syndrome and lipid metabolism disorders.
Metabolic syndrome is a state of the body in which a number of factors are combined: carbohydrate metabolism is disturbed, the patient suffers from arterial hypertension, obesity, etc. The syndrome accompanies an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This condition is based on insulin resistance, which, according torecent scientific research, is closely related to diabetes mellitus and vascular disease.
As for lipid metabolism disorders, as a result of the studies it was found that the level of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL is reduced if you take Metformin tablets for diabetes. Reviews of scientists about this drug also contain information about its effectiveness in the prevention of type 2 diabetes in violation of carbohydrate tolerance.
"Metformin" for weight loss
The special properties of the drug and proven weight loss in diabetic patients have led to the fact that "Metformin" has become popular among those who want to lose weight.
While the drug does start processes that help burn excess fat and prevent the formation of new fat deposits, it should be used with caution in people who do not have diabetes, and it is important to consider a number of conditions.
First of all, it must be remembered that the drug itself does not burn fat, but only helps to use up its excess if this is also accompanied by active physical activity and a special diet. "Metformin" - pills are not miraculous properties, but only an additional remedy. Even among doctors there is no unequivocal opinion about who can take Metformin tablets: the benefits and harms to the body from this drug should be assessed individually in each case. Some doctors prescribe it precisely so that the patient quickly loses weight, others consider it very harmful toorganism. Therefore, when losing weight with Metformin, a preliminary examination and specialist consultation are necessary to make the right decision.
Next, you need to take into account a number of contraindications. For example, if you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes without producing insulin, you can only prescribe Metformin and resolve issues with weight loss with the help of an endocrinologist.
In no case should you take the drug for kidney, heart, pulmonary insufficiency, liver disease, anemia.
The drug cannot be used when the body is weakened - after operations, injuries, serious illnesses, it should be avoided during acute infectious diseases.
It is forbidden to take Metformin if you are on a low-calorie diet.
The main processes that occur in the body during Metformin therapy and contribute to weight loss are:
- rapid fat oxidation;
- decrease in carbohydrate absorption;
- better absorption of glucose by muscle tissues;
- reducing hunger, resulting in weight loss.
With uncontrolled weight loss with this drug, side effects are common, especially if you take a higher dose than is allowed by the instructions. In addition to significant problems with the gastrointestinal tract, you can become weak, drowsy, lethargic, lactic acidosis and other serious pathologies may develop.
Also, when taking Metformin, you must follow a diet. It excludes sweets, pasta, potatoes, alcoholic beverages. Meals should be regularyou can not starve, but the nutritional value should not exceed 2500 kcal per day. During this period, you need to drink as much ordinary clean water as possible.
Despite the fact that Metformin eliminates the need to engage in heavy physical exercise, this does not mean that all physical activity can be avoided. Morning exercises, outdoor activities, non-exhausting physical activity in combination with the drug will help get rid of excess fat much faster. Do not hope that Metformin will do everything for you without additional effort on your part!
You should not get carried away with the drug and take it according to the principle "the more - the better": you should not exceed the dosage if you are taking Metformin (pills). Instructions for use gives clear instructions on the maximum dose of the drug, if not observed, it can significantly harm the body. In addition, this drug can be taken for no longer than three months, then you need to take a break.
Now you can find a lot of reviews of those who took Metformin diet pills. Reviews are quite diverse: someone got rid of excess fat quickly and for a long time, someone was prevented from doing so by bad habits or side effects. But in general, we can conclude that those who helped Metformin took it under the supervision of a doctor, after examinations, while maintaining the necessary diet and not neglecting physical exercises.
Contraindications to Metformin
Before starting therapy"Metformin", regardless of whether you have diabetes or want to lose weight, you need to familiarize yourself with an impressive list of contraindications and consult a doctor.
Contraindications include renal, cardiac, pulmonary insufficiency, severe pathologies of the liver and biliary tract; chronic pathologies of the respiratory organs. The drug should not be taken in the post-traumatic and postoperative periods, as well as after myocardial infarction during the rehabilitation period. Taking "Metformin" is contraindicated in infectious and inflammatory processes and exacerbations of any chronic diseases, severe forms of anemia.
The drug is prohibited during pregnancy and lactation. When planning pregnancy or its onset while taking Metformin, the drug must be abandoned and switched to insulin therapy. Breastfeeding, if there is a need for treatment with Metformin, must be canceled, because there is no data on the effect of the drug on breast milk, but even a small proportion of the drug that has entered the milk is dangerous for the child, since age under 18 is among the contraindications years. Metformin is not prescribed for children and adolescents under the age of 18.
Also, Metformin should not be taken in case of alcoholism and acute alcohol poisoning. In general, you should stop taking alcohol and ethanol-containing medicines if you are taking Metformin. The fact is that the combination of ethanol and metformin, even in small doses, provokes the rapid development of lactocytosis, up to death.
It is dangerous to take Metformin with constantlow-calorie and starvation diets.
It should not be taken by people over 60 years of age if they are engaged in heavy physical labor, in order to avoid the development of lactic acidosis.
During treatment, patients need to monitor kidney function, monitor the level of lactate in plasma, serum creatinine.
Drug side effects
"Metformin" provokes a number of side effects. Therefore, during therapy, you must carefully monitor the state of your body and, if complaints appear, immediately consult a doctor, especially if you are taking the drug not according to the indications and prescription of a doctor, but on your own.
First of all, the drug causes disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, such unpleasant manifestations as:
- nausea;
- severe vomiting;
- persistent diarrhea;
- flatulence;
- loss of appetite;
- metal taste in mouth;
- appearance of abdominal pain.
Also, the patient may complain of respiratory failure, tachycardia, rashes and peeling of the skin, often with itching.
A rare but dangerous side effect is lactic acidosis. With lactic acidosis, lactic acid enters the bloodstream, the first symptoms of the disease are weakness, drowsiness, increased fatigue, increasing nausea, and vomiting.
Long-term use of the drug may cause liver dysfunction.
If you notice at least one of these manifestations, you should immediately consult a doctor, informing him that you are taking Metformin tablets. Benefit and harm to the bodyin this case may not be equal, you may not take the drug and you need to find another option for treatment or weight loss.
CV
Metformin is the most effective pill for type 2 diabetes. Metformin also helps to reduce weight, but it is worth remembering that this drug is not a panacea, it will not replace a low-carb diet and exercise. Metformin therapy should be accompanied by control of blood glucose levels and the rejection of bad habits, including food. If you want to lose weight with it, do not give up the gym, eat right and do not forget that in the first place this is a serious medicine, it is designed to fight diabetes, so you need to take it carefully and only after consulting a doctor.
