Glucophage, also known by its generic name metformin, is an oral diabetes medication. Glucophage is approved for type 2 diabetes patients and cannot be used for type 1. Type 2 diabetes occurs when there are persistently high blood sugar levels. The body’s cells become less responsive to insulin’s effort to deliver glucose into the cells. This causes excess glucose to hang around the bloodstream, causing serious health complications over time. 

Type 2 diabetes is acquired over time, whereas type 1 is a genetic autoimmune disease. Obesity and poor diet choices significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may require insulin therapy to regulate blood sugar levels. Glucophage is often prescribed alongside insulin therapy to regulate glucose levels.

Metformin is a commonly prescribed type 2 diabetes drug and is typically the first line of defense in diabetes treatment. In some cases, metformin can also be used for prediabetes to prevent the full development of diabetes mellitus as well as gestational diabetes. 

If your body becomes insulin resistant, you may require Glucophage. Glucophage’s main ingredient is metformin, which lowers the amount of sugar produced in the liver. Along with inhibiting sugar production, it also increases the cell’s sensitivity to insulin. When sensitivity is increased, the body can remove more sugar from the blood and regulate glucose levels.

Metformin also reduces the absorption of sugar from the intestines. Glucophage is available in standard-release oral tablets and must be taken twice a day with meals. Your doctor will determine a treatment plan that works for you.

In one study through The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study, researchers studied metformin as a monotherapy for type 2 diabetes. Their study took place over 29 weeks, and it was found that the participants had a mean decrease in their HbA1c (a test that measures the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin) levels. [1] The researchers found that using metformin can reduce low blood sugar events and weight gain.

Glucophage is commonly prescribed and is tolerated well by most type 2 diabetes patients, but there is always the risk of side effects. Common side effects of metformin are low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Serious side effects are uncommon, and tell your doctor immediately if you experience the following:

•    Irregular heart rate
•    Dizziness 
•    Weakness 
•    Fatigue 
•    Breathing trouble 
•    Unusual muscle pain 
•    Vomiting 

Before beginning Glucophage, you should tell your doctor about your medications and medical history. You may have to monitor your kidney function if you have a history of kidney issues. In rare cases, you may experience lactic acidosis. This condition occurs when lactic acid builds up in the body and causes unpleasant side effects.

Glucophage is not a magic pill, and patients need to adjust their diet and exercise routines to get the full benefits of the medication. Metformin is a generally safe medication, but you should avoid drinking alcohol when taking Glucophage. Alcohol contains a lot of sugar and carbohydrates, severely affecting your blood sugar levels. If you want to keep your glucose levels regulated, avoiding alcohol is a good move.

If you have type 2 diabetes and become pregnant or want to become pregnant, your doctor will adjust your dosage to prevent worsening symptoms. In some cases, metformin can stimulate ovulation in premenopausal women and increases the risk of unintended pregnancy. It is not advised to breastfeed while taking metformin. This drug should not be given to any child younger than ten years old.

What are the dosages of Glucophage?

There are several dosages of metformin depending on the type of pill you receive. You will likely take 500 mg twice daily or one 850 mg pill once a day. The maximum dose per day is typically 2550 mg. 

Are there any interactions with Glucophage?

When taking Glucophage, you should be wary of other medications that also increase insulin production in the body because it increases your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). These drugs include sulfonylureas and meglitinides. Medications that increase blood sugar can also cause side effects like corticosteroids, phenytoin, and thiazide diuretics. 

When is the best time to take Glucophage?

Glucophage works best when taken before meal times. This allows the drug to work simultaneously as your body digests sugars and carbohydrates.

What is the generic name for Glucophage?

The generic name for Glucophage is metformin, the main ingredient. You can find discount brand names and generic Glucophage at Canada Pharmacy Depot.