Metformin – Fight Type II Diabetes While
Protecting Your Heart!
Metformin is one of a number of drugs widely used in the treatment of
Type II diabetes. It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in 1994.
How Does Metformin Work?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, its function being to
lower blood glucose levels. This is achieved by reducing the amount of
glucose produced by the liver, and by increasing the removal of blood
glucose in muscle and fat tissues. When insulin production and its
uptake are reduced, glucose levels increase, resulting in diabetes.
Metformin has the effect of lowering blood glucose levels in the
following ways. It reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver;
as well as the amount absorbed through the stomach. It also improves
the effectiveness of insulin in the body by reducing existing blood
glucose levels. It does not however, increase the concentration of blood
insulin, nor does it cause excessively low blood glucose levels (or
hypoglycemia) when used alone.
What Is It Used To Treat?
In 1998, the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) conducted research on
a sample of overweight patients with Type II diabetes. The results of
the study proved that Metformin was the only anti-diabetic
drug capable of reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications
commonly associated with the disease.
How Does It Compare With Avandia?
Avandia is a comparable Type II anti-diabetic drug, also
approved by the FDA. There are however, concerns
about Avandia based on a meta-analysis of previous
studies which suggested that the drug may increase the risk of heart
attack by over 40%. The results of the study were published in the May,
2007 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine.
There are some, including Dr Larry Deeb, president for medicine and science at
the American Diabetes Association, who do not feel that the evidence
linking Avandia with heart attack is conclusive. However, patients with
existing congestive heart failure, heart disease or those using insulin
have been advised not to take Avandia.
Currently, there is a warning on the Avandia label
pointing to the increased risk of congestive heart failure, a chronic
condition caused by the heart's inability to pump normally.
Fortunately, there are safe alternatives, including
Metformin, that do not carry the same risk for possible heart
complications.
Other Uses
Metformin is also being used in successfully treating Polycystic Ovarian
Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can lead to insulin resistance, causing the body
to manufacture excessive amounts of insulin in order to compensate.
Higher insulin levels are associated with abnormal cholesterol and lipid
levels, irregular mentrual periods, infertility, obesity, and an
increased incidence of diabetes. Although Metformin is as yet not
licensed for treating PCOS, the United Kingdom's National Institute for
Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that women suffering
with PCOS, who have a body mass index (BMI) above 25, be given Metformin
when other therapies have failed.
Anti-Aging Benefits
Most individuals past middle age suffer from a loss of glucose
tolerance. Metformin is believed to have anti-aging benefits as it can
reduce the risk of age-related diabetes, prevent sugar cravings, and
stabilize sugar levels. It has also been shown to lower cholesterol
levels and help prevent low-density lipoproteins (‘bad cholesterol’)
from attaching to blood platelets and arteries.
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