Obesity cases are not a new thing in the modern world. It may seem rare to see obesity cases in the old days but obesity in the current era is so common that you may actually know at least one person with obesity issues. Obesity is more than just having excess body weight and appearing physically huge. Obesity is the core of the many metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension which can lead to high mortality and disability. For those with existing metabolic diseases, obesity can definitely worsen the disease. There are many medicines used to help treat metabolic disease such as Glucophage 500 mg.
Glucophage contains metformin as its active ingredient. Metformin is also known as biguanide. Glucophage is usually prescribed for patients with diabetes. Metformin works in diabetes by lowering the amount of sugar production in the liver. It also helps to improve insulin sensitivity which makes the muscle cells sensitive to insulin and increases absorption of sugar by the intestines. Insulin is a hormone that plays a big role in regulating the blood sugar level through binding of cells to sugar and for the body cells to function properly. By improving insulin resistance in diabetes, the insulin level is likely to be better at controlling blood sugar.
Some may think Glucophage is a fat burner since it may seem to be prescribed for those overweight or obese. Glucophage is not a fat burner. In fact, Glucophage is prescribed for those with diabetes and is overweight or obese. Glucophage may seem like a fat burner because people taking it may actually lose weight and because the way Glucophage works in suppressing appetite leading to a person eating less than usual. However, the amount of weight loss is low. Studies show that 29% of people lost 5% or more of their body weight and just 8% lost around 10%. Even though 29% of people do lose weight, it does not solely lean on the fact they are taking medicine because they also made changes in diet and exercises. This means that to say metformin as a fat burner or even a weight loss pill is not right. Furthermore, usage of metformin for those without diabetes is not approved by the US FDA (United States Food and Drugs Administration).
Metformin is not a substitute for healthy eating and regular exercises. Treatment of diabetes itself does not put medicine as the first treatment. First treatment of diabetes is actually lifestyle modifications such as regular physical activity such as exercise and healthy diet. Medicine may seem like the only treatment for diabetes as most patients with diabetes do take the antidiabetic medicine to keep their blood sugar level on optimal level and because lifestyle modifications are not enough to maintain the healthy blood sugar level. A person may need to take metformin alone or in combination with other antidiabetic medicine or solely take another antidiabetic beside metformin. This depends on the person’s health status and their response to the medicine.
In general, Glucophage is taken 2 to 3 times a day with meals or right after meals. A person taking this medication should drink plenty of fluid unless stated otherwise by the doctor. It is best to avoid eating too much food heavy in sugar content or containing simple carbohydrates such as candy, soda, chips and biscuits. These foods may lead to metformin unable to work properly in the body. This will then lead to a person needing a higher dose or other medication to help control blood sugar level. Plus, such food will easily cause a spike in blood sugar level.
Although medicine sounds promising in treating medical problems, there are also potential side effects that come with it. It is worth noting that medications prescribed by doctors are medicines that bring benefits more than its side effects. Common side effects include light-headedness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, upset stomach and low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia). If these side effects persist or get worse, do let your healthcare provider know. Serious side effects such as unusual muscle pain, breathing difficulty and severe stomach pain should warrant a visit to the emergency room immediately.
It is common that hypoglycemia occurs in patients with diabetes especially from taking antidiabetic medications. Hypoglycaemia may also occur as a result of not eating enough calories from food or after heavy physical activities. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia are sweating, shaking, trembling, dizziness, tingling hands or feet, hunger and fast heartbeat. The best way to cope with hypoglycemia is to always keep a quick source of sugar such as candy or fruit juice handy whenever hypoglycemia symptoms start. Remember to let your healthcare provider know about this event the next time you visit them. They may reassess the disease and provide a better treatment plan.
In essence, Glucophage is not a fat burner. It is used only for those with diabetes and are overweight or obese. The weight loss effect from taking metformin is beneficial for those with diabetes as it helps to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar level overall. Antidiabetic medication for diabetes is usually taken for lifetime. The best way to make sure the antidiabetic medication works effectively is to take it regularly.
