Introduced in the 1950s to treat type 2 diabetes, Biguanides class drugs at the time included Phenformin and Buformin, but both were taken off the market in most countries due to the elevated risk of lactic acidosis (Buformin was never sold in the U.S., but is still available in Hungary, Taiwan and Japan). Metformin, to which these other drugs are related, is the drug of choice for treating diabetes. Biguanides class of drugs also includes Proguanil, used to treat malaria. Metformin is used to reduce blood sugar in type 2 diabetics, and is also in cases of prediabetes, especially with people who are overweight, to help prevent full-blown diabetes. It can also help with weight loss and high cholesterol. It works by decreasing the liver’s sugar production, increasing absorption of sugar by cells in the muscles, and also decreases the body’s insulin needs. It does not have any effect on the pancreas’s ability to produce insulin.
Biguanides Risks – Dangers of Metformin
Though it has fewer adverse effects than the other diabetes biguanides drugs, metformin is not without risk. The most common is gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, cramps, flatulence, diarrhea and vomiting. Less common is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and if there is an overdose or if prescribed to people who are recommended against taking the drug, lactic acidosis may be a serious concern. People who are advised against taking metformin include anyone who has a higher than average risk of lactic acidosis – that is, those with lung disease, liver diseas, or kidney disorders.
Metformin Alternatives
There are alternatives to metformin, for those who are not able to take it due to pre-existing conditions, reactions with other drugs, or who are experiencing metformin side effects. This includes other oral diabetes medications, injectable insulin medication, or lifestyle changes. The gentlest for the body are changes in lifestyle –a healthy, nutritious diet and regular exercise to maintain a healthy blood glucose balance. This is proven to be very beneficial and effective in controlling type 2 diabetes, particularly in its early stages. A diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and oils, plus daily exercise, is recommended everyone, even those who use insulin, a diabetes biguanides drug (Metformin) or another medication. In fact, people often find, if they are able to make these lifestyle changes (which includes stopping smoking and limiting alcohol consumption), that they can stop their medications altogether. There have also been studies done with herbs that show benefits for diabetics. Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels and improves glucose tolerance. Eugenia jambolana (used in Indian folk medicine) reduces blood glucose levels, and gymnema sylvestre behaves similarly to diabetes biguanides (metformin) – less insulin required, lower glucose levels, and better control of blood sugar. Consult your doctor before trying an herbal remedy.
