Created for treatment of type 2 diabetes, metformin is manufactured by Bristol-Myers-Squibb Company and was approved for use in the U.S. and U.K. in December of 1994. Metformin is only an effective diabetes treatment in the presence of insulin as its main function is to increase the effectiveness of the body’s own insulin, reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and the absorption of glucose by the small intestines.

Prevention of Diabetes: Metformin, Diet, and Exercise

In a study published in 2009 diet, exercise, and metformin were shown to delay the onset of diabetes by up to 10 years. The Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group led by Dr. William C. Knowler, studied the effects of diet, exercise, and metformin on 3,800 over weight individuals with high risk of developing type 2 diabetes over 15 years. Subjects were broken into three groups. One received intensive diet and exercise …