This ships from the UK

Metformin is most commonly used to help manage type 2 diabetes by inhibiting glucose. It is among the most frequently used antidiabetic medications in the world, as it is easy to take, inexpensive, and remarkably safe.

The medication is available in three forms:

• Regular tablets
• Extended-release tablets
• Oral solution

All three are quite similar in administration and effectiveness; extended-release tablets may produce fewer stomach-related side effects in some patients.

Note that metformin does not replace insulin; it should not be used by individuals with type 1 diabetes, or those with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Getting the Most from Metformin

Rather than add insulin to the body, metformin reduces glucose so the body's own insulin can work more effectively. It suppresses glucose in three ways:

• Inhibits glucose production by the liver;
• Inhibits glucose absorption from food;
• Increases glucose uptake by muscle and fat tissues.

Treatment starts similarly for the vast majority of patients, regardless of the severity of the disease or the delivery mode chosen:

• Start with a low dose of 500 mg twice per day for around two weeks.
• If that dose is not sufficient for managing glucose, increase by 500 mg twice per day every two weeks until the effective dosage is found or maximum doses are reached.
• Do not exceed 2550 mg regular tablets in one day, 2000 mg extended-release tablets, or 2000 mg (20 ml) oral solution in one day.

In other words, start with 500 mg twice a day for two weeks, then increase to 1000 mg twice per day for two weeks, then 1500 mg twice per day, and so forth. The gradual increase serves to both determine the most effective dose as well as allow the body to adjust to treatment, significantly reducing the severity of gastrointestinal side effects.

Administering metformin is quite simple:

• Regular tablets may be taken two or three times per day.
• Extended-release tablets are taken once per day.
• All doses should be taken with a meal.

Effects may be noticeable within days of starting treatment if lower doses are sufficient, or it may take a month or longer when higher doses are needed. It's important to frequently test blood sugar during the start of treatment and after any dosage change.

Metformin is often quite effective on its own, especially if sticking to a suitable diet plan and getting regular exercise. When it is not enough, it may be taken along with other diabetes treatments, such as insulin or exenatide. When other medications are being taken there is an increased risk of adverse effects; a doctor or pharmacist can provide more information according to the combination of medications.

Side Effects

Metformin is not an ideal treatment for patients with:

• Kidney or liver problems
• History of low blood sugar
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Severe respiratory or cardiac issues

While the medication is unlikely to produce dangerous side effects in otherwise-health patients, some individuals do experience unpleasant gastrointestinal issues during treatment:

• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Gas
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Nausea

The above side effects are relatively common, but typically they are mild and only occur for a few days at the start of treatment or when dosage is increased. If severe or persistent while taking regular tablets or oral solution, switching to extended-release tablets may help.http://buy-exenatide.kiwidrug.com/

Affordable Advantages

Metformin provides a number of advantages just not found in similar type 2 diabetes treatments:

• No injections required;
• Easy to transport and use discreetly;
• No association with weight gain from treatment, as often happens with insulin;
• Remarkably safe;
• Considerably less expensive than similar treatments;
• Readily available worldwide.

In other words, metformin is definitely worth considering if you have type 2 diabetes -- a safe, effective and affordable treatment.