Metformin Side Effects: Less Known Issues

Surprising But Dangerous Side Effects of Metformin

Metformin is the most commonly used diabetic medication for high glucose and yet the most debated diabetes medication as well. There are many metformin side effects, which is why it's important to be fully aware of what they are before you start taking this medication.

In this blog post, we will discuss all of the possible side effects of metformin and how to deal with them. We will also provide information on how to safely take this medication and get the most out of it.

Common Side effects of Metformin When You Use It For Type 2 Diabetes

Metformin is a great medication for managing diabetes related high glucose. The most common side effects include but are not limited to heartburn, stomach pain, and nausea or vomiting to name just three! It can also cause gas/bloating; diarrhea; weight loss (sometimes); headache.

There are other less intense but still prevalent ones such as taste changes from metallic substances in one's mouth. More serious side effects include low blood sugar, lactic acidosis, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Metformin should be used with caution in people with kidney or liver disease, as well as in those at risk for heart disease. Let's go over more in-depth about some of the metformin side effects:

Diarrhea- One of the Common Metformin Side Effects

 Diarrhea and metformin Many patients cannot take the right amount of metformin because of its bad effects on their stomachs. These stomach problems include diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, indigestion, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Diarrhea and nausea are the most common problems. Even though starting at a low dose and slowly increasing the dose may help prevent some of the side effects associated with metformin, some patients are still not able to tolerate it.

It can be difficult to convince people taking metformin again if they have had bad side effects in the past. However, this is an important drug for treating diabetes. On the other hand, Dr. Ergin says he successfully used Super Berberine in patients who did not want to take metformin.

How to Stop Diarrhea Induced by Metformin

Metformin is a popular medication for treating type 2 diabetes, but it does not come without side effects such as nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize these pesky side effects. The first and most important step is always to titrate your dosage of immediate-release metformin correctly; taking more than the recommended dose increases your risk of developing side effects.

In addition, switching to extended-release or delayed-release metformin may be beneficial as well; these types of metformin allow the active ingredient to enter your system more slowly, which decreases the possibility of developing side effects. Finally, consulting your doctor for advice on how to prevent and alleviate any existing side effects is also wise.

By following these simple tips, you can reduce or even eliminate the annoying side effects caused by metformin use. Additionally, taking gut microbiome modulators or alternative pharmacological or herbal therapies such as berberine or dihydroberberine when metformin cannot be tolerated can also help to control glucose levels.

Less Known Side Effects Of Metformin For Diabetes

Excessive Tiredness

While the medication has been known to assist millions of individuals in bringing healthy balance back into their lives, one possible adverse effect can be extreme tiredness. This unpleasant side effect happens when the body is not able to adjust well to the doses of Metformin, which can interfere with daily activities and routines. Moreover, long-term use or too high doses of the drug can even have effects on blood pressure and heart rate.

In such cases it is advisable to seek medical advice from your doctor about reducing or changing dose, or switching to a different medication for managing blood sugar levels. It's a common side effect of metformin to feel tired and exhausted. If this is becoming more than an annoyance for you, it's important to speak to your doctor about alternative treatments or herbal diabetes remedies that better fit your lifestyle.

SugarMD Supplements features a variety of traditional medicinal herbs that are proven to have positive effects on the body and blood sugar levels, many of which are available in capsule form or powder. You can also find SugarMD products with active ingredients geared specifically towards helping manage energy levels and digestive health, providing a natural solution to support your overall well-being during diabetes treatment.

Heart Rhythm Problems

Metformin is a healthy way to lower blood glucose levels for many people suffering from diabetes, yet the drug could have adverse effects on the heart. While it is not common, some who take metformin may experience an increase of lactic acid in their blood which can cause cardiac problems such as a low heart rate or palpitations if the heart rate is too high.

For those that take this tablet regularly, it is important to keep up healthy living habits and closely monitor the side effects of the medicine if you are worried about potential issues with your heart health. On the other hand, it may be able to offer more health benefits than previously known. Recent studies have suggested that metformin may help reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and other ventricular arrhythmias when compared to sulfonylureas, another class of diabetes meds.

While doctors still urge their diabetic patients to manage their lifestyle habits before turning to medications, Metformin could serve as the safer medical option after lifestyle remedies are exhausted.

Lactic acidosis

Metformin, which is used to decrease blood sugar in some patients, has been linked to a potentially fatal illness known as lactic acidosis in others. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, including feeling dizzy or lightheaded, severe drowsiness, muscle pain, tiredness, feeling cold or blue in the skin, rapid or difficult breathing, slow or irregular heartbeat, stomach pain with diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately to prevent a life-threatening situation.

Low Blood Sugar

Metformin is one of the most widely prescribed medicines to treat type 2 diabetes, and usually, it does not cause low blood sugar on its own. However, when this drug is combined with other anti-diabetic drugs, healthy lifestyles can become even more important to prevent abnormal levels of glucose.

Being aware of healthy food choices, regular exercise and controlling alcohol intake are all essential tips for taking this tablet successfully and avoiding low blood sugar. Thus, a healthy lifestyle goes hand in hand with this medicine or any other drug for managing the complex medical conditions and improving one's quality of life.

Metformin Allergy

We all want to stay healthy, and the right drugs can really help! However, it's important first to make sure that any medication you take is safe for you. When considering this drug, you should check the list of ingredients – particularly if you have any allergies. The great news is that allergic reactions to this drug are very rare; however, some allergens could cause a reaction in a small number of people. That’s why it’s a good policy to make sure you read through the entire list to protect your health and your life!

B12 Deficiency- A long-term Adverse effect of metformin

Metformin can reduce the amount of vitamin B12 in your body. This could lead to anemia or low red blood cell counts, so it’s important that you get enough through diet alone if possible and talk with a doctor before stopping metformin altogether! SugarMD Neuropathy Support will ensure you never develop B12 deficiency or neuropathy due to metformin or diabetes.

If you think you may have anemia, make an appointment with your doctor to get your red blood cell levels checked. Anemia is a condition where you have low levels of red blood cells. This can cause tiredness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. To learn more about B12 deficiency and diabetes click here. 

Can You Take Metformin For High Blood Sugar Levels If You Have Kidney Disease?

If you have mild or moderate renal difficulties, your doctor may start you out on a reduced dosage of the metformin tablet that is used to treat high blood sugar. Because of the possibility of lactic acidosis, it is possible that those with severe conditions, such as aging or being 80 years old or older, should not take this medication due to the potential hazards involved. The condition known as lactic acidosis has the potential to be fatal.

Can Someone with Diabetes Type 2 And Heart Disease Take Metformin?

Metformin is a drug commonly prescribed to healthy individuals with high glucose levels or those at risk of developing diabetes. Although it is taken in tablet form, one should be aware that the drug has potential adverse effects for those who suffer from or have just recovered from a heart attack or heart failure.

As the policy states, these individuals should abstain from taking this medication as their kidneys cannot clear the metformin from their system adequately, thereby increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. In order to preserve your quality of life, you should follow the recommendations set by your physician and refrain from taking this particular drug if you have existing heart issues.

Can Someone With Liver Disease Take Metformin?

Taking metformin for high blood sugar if you have serious liver problems is risky for a person's life. If you have significant issues with your liver, you may have a buildup of lactic acid in your body. Your liver is responsible for eliminating lactic acid from your body.

Your likelihood of developing lactic acidosis would increase as a result of this. Metformin is associated with an increased risk of adverse events; hence, taking this medication when suffering from liver disease is not recommended because it can lead to very low glucose levels. Want to learn everything about Metformin? Click Here. 

Can Drink Alcohol Raise Risk of Side Effects With Metformin?

Metformin and alcohol don't mix well in real life. When combined can cause a lot of adverse effects. Drinking too much is not healthy and can lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels due to the increased risk for this with metformin use; also, you're at higher risk of developing lactic acidosis because it causes an increase in bodily production/release rate of naturally occurring acids such as hydrogen citrate which is found mostly muscles (away from organs).

So while yes - socializing during happy hour might be fun initially, but long term may cause problems. To learn more click here.  

Should I stop taking metformin before surgery or procedure?

Metformin is an effective treatment for those with diabetes. Still, those who are scheduled to undergo surgery or a radiology procedure that uses iodine contrast must stop taking their metformin tablets beforehand. By stopping the medication prior to the procedure, it allows the body to remove the drug from the system, thus reducing any risk for metformin-induced lactic acidosis, kidney damage and other side effects.

After the surgery/procedure is completed, be sure to consult your doctor regarding when it is safe to resume taking metformin medications. It is essential to follow directions both pre and post-surgery in order to reduce any potential risks that could result due to changes in treatment.

What is Metformin Used For?

Metformin is a medication that is frequently prescribed to individuals who have type 2 diabetes in order to manage high blood sugar. It does this by lowering the amount of sugar that is created by the liver and by making the body more sensitive to the effects of insulin. This, in turn, helps control blood sugar levels.

In addition to treating diabetes and pre-diabetes, metformin is also effective in treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In certain circumstances, it might be used with one or more additional medications. Metformin is generally well accepted, although it does have the potential to induce adverse effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.

Before beginning treatment with metformin, it is essential to have a conversation with your primary care physician about all of the possible dangers and advantages associated with the medication.

When to Take Metformin

Metformin (1000 mg) oral medication is often prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes and high glucose. But when should you take it? According to the American Diabetes Association, the best time to take metformin is with meals. This helps to reduce the adverse effects of metformin, such as stomach upset.

If you are taking metformin twice a day, it's important to space the doses out so that they are evenly spaced throughout the day. For example, you could take one dose at breakfast and one dose at dinner. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about when to take metformin 1000 mg tablet.

When Not To Take Metformin

If you have diabetes and high glucose levels, your doctor has probably recommended that you take a metformin prescription to help regulate your blood sugar levels because it is a drug that is both safe and effective. Even while this is the case for the large majority of people, there are certain conditions in which it is recommended to avoid taking metformin if your health is not as good as it may be.

Metformin has the potential to induce major adverse effects if it accumulates in the bloodstream of a patient who, for example, has kidney or renal illness or severe liver disease. Before beginning treatment with metformin, it is imperative that you discuss any preexisting medical issues with your primary care physician.

In addition, it is not recommended that you take metformin if you are already dehydrated or if you have just undergone surgical procedures. Again, it is crucial to have a conversation with your diabetes doctor to determine whether or not metformin is appropriate for you.

What are Metformin Alternatives For High Blood Sugar?

If you're looking for an alternative to metformin, dihydroberberine may be worth a try. This natural compound has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics. According to the findings of one research project, the blood sugar-lowering effects of dihydroberberine are comparable to those of metformin.

In addition, dihydroberberine is associated with a lower risk of adverse effects in comparison to metformin, making it a more prudent choice for diabetic patients. Therefore, if you are seeking for a substitute for metformin that is both effective and safe, you might want to give dihydroberberine a shot.

More About Dihydroberberine

Dihydroberberine is an alkaloid that is yellow in color and is obtained from the herb coptis chinensis, which is native to China. This molecule is beneficial in a broad variety of ways, including reducing the amount of sugar in the blood, enhancing the health of the heart, and preventing the development of some cancers.

Additionally, it has been demonstrated that dihydroberberine improves cognitive performance and decreases inflammation. It is believed that the ability of the chemical to modulate gene expression is responsible, at least in part, for these effects. As a result, dihydroberberine has the potential to serve as a successful natural treatment for a variety of illnesses, including but not limited to reducing the amount of glucose in the blood.

What Happens If You Take Metformin And You Don't Need It.

If you are overall one of those people lucky to be healthy enough but taking metformin for weight loss you may want to read this section carefully. Some reported side effect of this medicine can effect diabetics and non-diabetic alike. Metformin is a biguanide, which means it works by decreasing the amount of sugar produced by the liver and the absorption of sugar in the intestine.

In people with type 2 diabetes, metformin can help to improve blood sugar control. However, in people without diabetes, metformin may cause low blood sugar level. Side effects of metformin also will occur regardless you have diabetes or not.  Therefore, monitoring your blood sugar levels and side effects is important if you are taking metformin.

In summary, Metformin is a diabetes medicine that can be taken orally and is typically used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Metformin has been shown to be useful in regulating blood sugar levels; nevertheless, it has also been associated with a number of adverse effects. These adverse effects might range from being moderate and fleeting to being more serious and continuing for a longer period of time.

Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal gas, and stomach discomfort are some of the side effects of metformin that occur most frequently. Headaches, anxiety, and depression are examples of adverse effects that occur less frequently. In rare situations, metformin might induce liver damage or lactic acidosis. Before beginning treatment with metformin, it is essential to have a discussion about the possibility of side effects with your primary care physician.

They will be able to assist you in weighing the potential dangers and benefits of taking metformin so that you can make the most informed decision possible regarding your health. Continue to smile and take care of your health!   Ahmet Ergin, MD, CDCES, FACE Author of The Ultimate Diabetes Book Founder of SugarMD Youtube Channel 

About the author

Who is Dr. Ergin? 

Dr. Ahmet Ergin is an endocrinologist interested in and passionate about diabetes care. Dr. Ergin earned his medical degree with honors at Marmara University School of Medicine in Istanbul, Turkey.

Then, he completed his internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a board-certified Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism physician. He is also a certified diabetes education specialist.

Disclaimer: Any material on diseases and treatments that may be found on this website is provided solely for the purpose of providing general guidance and should never, under any circumstances, be used in place of the advice provided by your physician or another trained healthcare expert.

When you have questions or concerns about your current medical condition, you should never hesitate to consult with your primary care physician or another appropriately trained healthcare expert.