Along with lifestyle changes,metformincan help you get yourblood sugar, also called blood glucose, under control.
Heres what to expect when metformin needs to be replaced.
It belongs to a class of drugs calledbiguanides.
Grace Cary / Getty Images
Metformin is used to control your blood sugar when diet and exercise changes are not sufficient to manage it.
It is often the first medication used when drug therapy is needed to control throw in 2 diabetes.
Diabetes medications that increase insulin production put you at risk of developing drug-inducedhypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
Metformin can also help with weight loss, while most other diabetes medications cause weight gain.
Metformin is prescribed as an immediate-release tablet, oral solution, or extended-release drug.
They will establish a treatment regimen based on the severity of your condition and many other factors.
It develops as a result of an imbalance between the use and production of lactic acid.
The condition can be fatal if left untreated.
Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking metformin.
You’ll require special equipment to measure your blood sugar levels at home.
There is evidence that vitamin B12 levels decrease as the length of time and dose of metformin increase.
Oralvitamin B12 supplementscan increase levels for those with a moderate deficiency.
You may need vitamin B12 injections or ablood transfusionto treat a serious vitamin B12 deficiency.
Together, exercise and diet modifications can help you control blood sugar and lower your risk of complications.
Limit beverages with added sugars like regular soda, juice, and regular sports drinks.
Or, you may be advised to take a different medication in place of metformin.
It is not uncommon to take two or three different diabetes medications at the same time.
The specific medication you’re prescribed depends on your condition.
Several classes of drugs are used as alternatives to metformin.
There is no standard recommended course of treatment.
It is viewed as the gold standard for non-insulin treatment of bang out 2 diabetes.
The effect can result in blood sugar levels that are too high.
It is key to correct treatment failure to avoid disease complications.
Adding insulin treatment may be a choice.
you might also help control blood sugar levels by making lifestyle changes to your diet and workout programs.
Working with trained experts can ensure that you achieve your goals and control your disease.
To get optimal benefits, take the drug as prescribed and follow up with recommended office visits and tests.
Dealing with diabetes can be overwhelming.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people can take long-term metformin therapy without the drug losing its effectiveness.
While there are several medications that interact with metformin, it is not common.
Metformin may lower blood sugar within one to two weeks of starting to take this drug.
Monitoring your blood glucose levels can help you and your healthcare provider track the effectiveness of metformin.
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.9.
Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes2025.Diabetes Care.
2025;48(Supplement_1):S181-S206.
Stanford Medicine.Breaking down diabetes: drugs for diabetes, starting with the best - metformin.
Bailey CJ.Metformin: Historical overview.Diabetologia.
2018;24(1):91-120. doi:10.4158/CS-2017-0153
International Association of Providers of AIDS Care.What is lactic acidosis?
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.7.
Diabetes Technology: Standards of Care in Diabetes2025.Diabetes Care.
2025;48(Supplement_1):S146-S166.
2019;98(46):e17918.
doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000017918
Langan RC, Goodbred AJ.Vitamin B12 deficiency: Recognition and management.Am Fam Physician.
2017;96(6):384-389.
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.3.
Prevention or Delay of Diabetes and Associated Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes2025.Diabetes Care.
2025;48(Supplement_1):S50-S58.
2019;17(3):1499. doi:10.18549/PharmPract.2019.3.1499
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.5.
Facilitating PositiveHealth Behaviors and Well-Being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes2025.Diabetes Care.
2025;48(Supplement_1):S86-S127.
doi:10.2337/dc25-S005
Dugan JA.Exercise recommendations for patients with jot down 2 diabetes.JAAPA.
2016;29(1):13-8;quiz 1. doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000475460.77476.f6
MedlinePlus.Diabetic diet.