Most people have heard of the popular drug Metformin, which is used to treat Type 2 Diabetes. While there is no denying that this drug can be extremely effective in helping to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, there is also no denying that it has many other uses. In this article, we will discuss some of these other uses and how you can utilize this medication to help you lose weight. Consider this article as a companion piece to the related blog post entitled:
Can You Lose Weight with the Help of Metformin?
Lowered Blood Sugars
If you are reading this article, there is a good chance that you are already aware of the many advantages of taking Metformin. If you are not yet familiar with this medication, then we would advise you to learn more about it, as it could be a significant factor in helping to control and ultimately eliminate your condition. Diabetics are known to have elevated blood sugar levels, which can be very dangerous. The good thing is that Metformin can help bring these levels down, enabling the patient to enjoy a higher quality of life. Some of the benefits of Metformin include:
- A natural and simple solution to a complex health problem.
- An often overlooked medication that can be a significant factor in weight loss.
- An opportunity to improve oral health by reducing cavities and gum infections.
- Longer life expectancy for diabetics.
- Reduced risk of certain cancers.
- Fewer complications from cardiovascular diseases.
- And the list goes on.
Metformin For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Those suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) might also be interested in learning more about Metformin, as there is good evidence showing that it can be very effective in reducing fertility problems associated with PCOS. This syndrome is very common, affecting nearly one in ten women worldwide. Many people are not even aware that they have it, as it is often an undiagnosed condition. PCOS can lead to numerous complications, including:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes
- Hormonal problems
- And the list goes on.
Some studies have shown that PCOS patients have improved reproductive and metabolic outcomes when taking Metformin. This drug has been shown to be superior to most other oral medications in terms of effectiveness and safety, and it has a relatively good side effect profile. Most people experience some degree of GI discomfort when taking Metformin, but this usually goes away after a while. The most common side effects of this medication include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- And the list goes on.
Metformin For Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a condition where there is damage to the macula, which is the area of the retina responsible for recognizing faces and details of scenes. It is the leading cause of blindness in North America and the Western world. Those suffering from AMD are likely to experience severe visual impairment, as the disease primarily affects the macula. There is no known cause of AMD, but there are a number of risk factors that can increase your odds of developing this disease. These include:
- Being male
- Longevity
- Family history
- Tobacco use
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol levels
- Obesity
- And the list goes on.
There is also some evidence supporting the use of Metformin in those with AMD. Those taking this medication have reported experiencing significant improvement in their condition, as well as the associated visual impairment. Compared to other medications used to treat AMD, Metformin has the advantage of being a more natural solution. However, it should be noted that more research needs to be conducted before this drug can be considered as safe and effective as possible.
Metformin For Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a condition categorized as a form of dementia, affecting the brain’s ability to produce and utilize adequate levels of serotonin. Those suffering from AD might also exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as:
- Impulsiveness
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
- And the list goes on.
There is some evidence suggesting that Metformin can be an effective treatment option in those with AD. However, more research is needed to prove whether or not this is indeed the case. Some studies have shown that Metformin can improve the quality of life of those with AD, by reducing their depression and anxiety. Many doctors and scientists believe that there is a close connection between depression and Alzheimer’s, and they hypothesize that Metformin can reduce the former by increasing the latter. The common side effects of Metformin in those with AD include:
- Infections
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Anorexia
- Lethargy
- And the list goes on.
Metformin For Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that affects the eye’s optic nerve, resulting in damage to the optic nerve’s ability to transmit visual information to the brain. There is a direct correlation between elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and the likelihood of developing glaucoma. The major risk factors for glaucoma include:
- Being of African descent
- Family history
- Tobacco use
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- And the list goes on.
Some studies have shown that Metformin can be an effective treatment option in those with glaucoma. This medication has the ability to lower IOP, which is very significant in preventing the onset and progression of this disease. Metformin has been shown to lower IOP by multiple mechanisms, including:
- Decreasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins
- Increasing the synthesis and release of anti-inflammatory cytokines
- Increasing the breakdown of cholesterol, which is an important structural component of cell membranes
- Activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
- And the list goes on.
Infections are one of the major concerns whenever a patient is taking any type of medication, which is why doctors always try to prescribe antibiotics or other medications to prevent and treat infections. This is especially important in those with impaired immune systems, such as diabetics and cancer patients. Fortunately, Metformin does not appear to be harmful when used in this manner, as there is no evidence suggesting that it promotes the growth of any infections. The most common side effects of Metformin in those with glaucoma include: