Metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It operates by enhancing insulin production and improving its utilization by body cells. Metformin also influences your weight-loss program and lessens the threat of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disorders. 

Diabetic patients with type 2 can be prescribed metformin for the regulation of blood sugar levels. Metformin is an oral tablet taken once or twice daily with meals. Take a look at what to expect from metformin side effects. 

What To Expect From Metformin Side Effects?

Digestive Issues

Diarrhoea: 

Metformin oral side effects include diarrhea, in which an individual passes loose, watery stools more frequently than usual. It might be worse at the beginning of taking the medication, but it is known to reduce with time as the body adapts to the new medication.

Nausea:

The other side effect is nausea, resulting in an uneasy stomach feeling or vomiting. This can sometimes be the case depending on whether the patient is beginning a drug or has increased the dosage.

Vomiting:

At times, metformin has side effects that may lead to vomiting, which is a forceful expulsion of contents in the stomach through the mouth. This may be uncomfortable and result in dehydration, especially if it is extreme or persists.

Gas and bloating:

Nausea and diarrhea are some of the gastrointestinal side effects that people experience when they take metformin. These side effects include upset stomachs, bloating, and increased belly size.

Loss of appetite:

The side effects of metformin are that some patients who have taken it have claimed to have experienced more propensity for loss of weight due to reduced appetite. This can be advantageous, especially for those who are obese or overweight. However, it can disadvantage people who must adhere to a specific weight.

Weight Loss

Metformin can also be used to lose weight. This is because it can enhance your body’s response to insulin and boost the metabolic process rate in the body. This is beneficial in most situations, but at the same time, it results in weight loss that may be undesirably fast or too much. If your weight loss is a concern, consult with your doctor.

Metformin benefits obesity because it enhances the insulin level and stimulates metabolic activity. Insulin is a hormone that assists your body in utilizing glucose in the system to produce energy.

The higher your blood sugar level, the harder it is for your body to use insulin properly and, thus, use sugar properly. Metformin also has the property of enhancing the uptake of insulin by the body tissues and, therefore, promotes the utilization of glucose. It can even cause weight loss due to increased energy expenditure and calories.

Metformin also helps to increase metabolism, which is the rate at which the body fat is burnt or utilized. This means when your metabolism is high, you will burn more calories, even when idle. This can assist you in slimming down without needing to cut back on your favorite meals or increase your activity levels.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Metformin may also affect how your body absorbs vitamin B12. If not replenished over time, this results in a deficiency of the vitamin B12.

Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency are lethargy and weakness, paraesthesia such as numbness or tingling of the hands and feet, and poor concentration. Whenever you are on metformin for a long time, it is advised that you are tested frequently for your vitamin B12 levels.

Also, Metformin has a side effect that can affect the absorption of vitamin B12, which occurs in the small intestine. Metformin lowers the intrinsic factor production, a protein required for vitamin B12 absorption. Thus, eventually, patients treated with metformin will likely face a shortage of vitamin B12.

Deficiency of vitamin B12 may lead to symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, numbness, tingling, poor concentration and lack of coordination. Of course, if you are using metformin and have any of the above mentioned symptoms, you should consult your physician.

Lactic Acidosis

Lactic acidosis is one of the worst side effects of metformin and it is very rare. It is experienced when there is accumulation of lactic acid in the bloodstream. The symptoms of lactic acidosis include tiredness, lameness, confusion, diarrhoea or vomiting, irregular breathing, and a feeling of being cold in the limbs. This is a medical emergency and should be attended to accordingly.

Another adverse effect associated with the use of metformin includes potentially life-threatening lactic acidosis. It is experienced when a high concentration of lactic acid is in the blood.

Lactic acid is one of the products of metabolism, and when present in excess, it is metabolized by the liver. However, in certain situations, the liver cannot metabolize lactic acid at the required rate, resulting in the buildup of lactic acid in the blood.

Signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis are fatigue, muscle weakness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, rapid respiration, and coldness in the extremities. If you have any of the symptoms described above, you should not delay visiting a doctor.

Managing Metformin Side Effects

Take Metformin With Food: 

It is suggested that if metformin is taken with food, one will not experience gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Start With A Low Dose And Gradually Increase:

It is advisable to begin with a small dose of metformin and gradually increase the dose since this allows the body to adapt to the medication without side effects.

Drink Plenty Of Fluids:

It is also advisable to take as many fluids as possible to avoid getting dehydrated, especially in cases of diarrhoea.

Eat A Healthy Diet:

Food and dietary changes are recommended to minimize the consequences of high blood sugar side effects. Maintaining a proper diet, especially by eating fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods, is considered to be quite helpful.

Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels:

Self-monitoring of blood glucose is necessary to determine metformin efficacy and to look for adverse effects. If your diabetes is not controlled, the doctor may need to change the dose of metformin that you’re taking.

Conclusion 

Metformin is a common medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It can cause various side effects, including digestive issues, weight loss, vitamin B12 deficiency, and lactic acidosis.

These side effects can often be managed through dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, additional medications. You must know these potential side effects and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms.