Metformin
Metformin is widely used in the treatment of Type II diabetes,
and was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1994.
How Does Metformin Work?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, its function being to lower blood
glucose levels. It accomplishes this by reducing the amount of glucose produced
by the liver, and by increasing the removal of blood glucose in muscle and fat
tissues. When insulin production, and its uptake are reduced, glucose levels
increase and diabetes is the result.
Metformin lowers blood glucose levels in three different ways. It reduces the
amount of glucose produced by the liver; and the amount of glucose absorbed
through the stomach. It also improves the effectiveness of insulin in the body
by reducing existing blood glucose. However, as it does not increase the
concentration of insulin in the blood, it does not cause excessively low blood
glucose levels (or hypoglycemia) when it is used alone.
What Is Metformin Used To Treat?
Research was conducted in 1998 by the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS)
Group on a sample of overweight patients with Type II diabetes. Metformin was
proved to be the only anti-diabetic drug to reduce the risk of cardiovascular
complications associated with the disease.
Metformin is also being used to successfully treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS can lead to insulin resistance, causing the body to produce excessive
amounts of insulin in an attempt to compensate. Higher insulin levels are known
to cause abnormal cholesterol and lipid levels, irregular mentrual periods,
obesity, infertility, and an increased incidence of diabetes. Although Metformin
is not licensed for this treatment, the United Kingdom's National Institute for
Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that women suffering with PCOS,
who have a body mass index (BMI) above 25, be given Metformin when other
therapies have failed.
Anti-Aging Benefits of Metformin
Most individuals past middle age suffer from a loss of glucose tolerance.
Metformin's is thought to have anti-aging benefits as it can reduce the risk of
age-related diabetes, prevent sugar cravings, and stabilize sugar levels. It has
also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and help prevent low-density
lipoproteins ('bad cholesterol') from attaching to blood platelets and arteries.
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