Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels increase substantially, and there is considerable insulin deficiency. Genetics has an important role to play in the development of type 2 Diabetes, and obesity is one of the most common causes of diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels increase substantially, and there is considerable insulin deficiency. Genetics has an important role to play in the development of type 2 Diabetes, and obesity is one of the most common causes of diabetes. Symptoms of the disorder include excessive thirst, frequent urge to urinate, constant hunger, and significant weight loss. Long-term complications from high blood sugar can include heart attacks, strokes, poor eye sight, kidney failure which may require dialysis, and poor circulation of limbs leading to amputations. The most popular Type 2 diabetes medicine is Metformin. Taking Metformin in prescribed doses controls the amount of glucose in your blood. It works by decreasing the amount of sugar you absorb from the food you eat, and also decreases the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Moreover, it helps your body respond much better to insulin doses or injections, which may be needed in conjunction with Metformin.

The drug has to be ingested in prescribed amounts, and at the right time each day, to be completely effective. In case one dosage of the drug is delayed a lot, it is wiser to wait for the next dosage rather than take two doses at a time. You also need to reduce your alcohol intake when you are on diabetes treatment. Regular exercise is also necessary.

Though Metformin is a very effective anti-diabetes drug, it has some side effects. Simple Metformin side effects include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, general weakness, abdominal discomfort, indigestion and headache. However, there are some more side effects that you need to care more about. The drug can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) at times. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness and dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, sudden changes in behavior, pale skin, hunger, tingling around the mouth, and clumsy or jerky movements. In this case, it is wise to consult the physician, who will advise you to eat or drink a food or beverage that contains sugar, such as hard candy or fruit juice, or get medical care. Metformin may also cause a serious condition known as lactic acidosis, but this can be avoided by consuming less alcohol. Failure to follow a disciplined lifestyle can cause side effects such as cell damage, but this is very rare.

Certain side effects of Metformin can be avoided by using the latest medical invention in the market – a Metformin chewing gum. The gum can be chewed upon leisurely, and the injected drug is accepted easily by the body as compared to the contents of a pill. However, in case only pills are available, taking them with food reduces the chances of experiencing side effects like vomiting and diarrhea. Even if the side effects do occur, they last shorter than usual and do not recur for extended periods of time.

Overall, Metformin is a safe drug if taken under the right conditions, and supplemented well with a proper diet and frequent exercise. It increases the average lifespan of a diabetic individual by several years, and is widely recommended despite the side effects.

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Ron Ross is the author of this article on Side Effects Of Metformin.
Find more information on Metformin here.


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