What happens if metformin stops working

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Type 2 Diabetes. Share on Pinterest. Look at your daily habits. Add another drug. Take insulin. Stay in touch with your doctor. Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, M. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Susan J. Bliss, R. Medically reviewed by Marina Basina, M. Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD.

Serious side effects of metformin, which need immediate medical attention are: lactic acidosis accumulation of acid in the blood ; cold feet; cold hands; slow and irregular heartbeat; dizziness ; weakness; difficulty breathing; tiredness; stomach pain ; vomiting and sleepiness. Taking your metformin along with a meal is advised, as this can combat some of the side effects.

If the side effects continue to persist, then seek medical advice. Metformin belongs to the category of drugs known as biguanides. Other medications for diabetes include insulin and Sulfonylureas and every medicine works in a different manner.

Depending on your needs, your doctor will decide which diabetes medication is most appropriate for you. Some diabetes medicines are injected. Sometimes, patients prefer to take oral medicines only and do not like to take injected medicines. As mentioned before, the first-line of treatment for type 2 diabetes consists of metformin along with exercise and healthy diet.

In some patients, it can take a few weeks or even months before they can see any improvement in their blood sugar levels. Insulin and sulfonylureas have faster results; however, they also have more risks and side effects.

The best person to advise and explain you about the mechanism and efficacy of diabetes medications along with other methods of reducing blood sugar levels is your doctor. Your doctor may suggest adding one or more of these to your medication plan. As a result, insulin injections may be needed in people whose A1C numbers are very high, Powers says.

Reach out to a friend, family member, healthcare provider, or certified diabetes educator for support. Additionally, take measures to manage stress. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Health Topics. Health Tools. Type 2 Diabetes. Reviewed: January 24, Medically Reviewed. But there isn't a straight answer to whether it can. There have been studies on its effects on weight loss. But currently, it hasn't been approved for weight loss. That's because the makers of the drugs haven't put it forward for the research. That means metformin isn't labelled as safe to use for weight loss.

And although some people think that it makes you gain weight, putting on weight isn't a side-effect of metformin.

While metformin is a drug that is used to treat diabetes, it can also be prescribed for other uses. That's because it can lower insulin and blood sugar levels. This helps women with PCOS with their ovulation and periods. It also lowers the risk of a miscarriage. Speak to your doctor if you want to know more about PCOS and metformin. If you have type 1 diabetes then you might also start metformin, but only if you have insulin resistance.

Metformin can also have other long-term health benefits. These include lowering cholesterol levels and reducing heart disease risk. There is also research taking place into what else metformin can be used for. This includes as a drug to prevent cancer. But these studies have not found any evidence yet. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with no. Skip to main navigation Skip to content. Breadcrumb Home guide to diabetes managing your diabetes treating your diabetes tablets and medication metformin.

Save for later Page saved! You can go back to this later in your Diabetes and Me Close. Metformin and diabetes. Metformin is a medication that helps the insulin you produce work better.

You usually take it as a tablet. Getting started The first time you get your metformin prescription there will be a lot going through your mind. What does metformin do? When it comes to treating your diabetes, metformin will work by: reducing the amount of glucose sugar the liver releases into the body helping the body's insulin work better.

Different types of metformin When you get your prescription you might notice that it has a different name. Metformin is the most common treatment for type 2 diabetes Your prescription Your metformin prescription can be slow or standard release tablets.