Explain Science

Metformin (Glucophage)

Metformin is a medication commonly prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where our bodies have trouble using a hormone called insulin. Insulin is like a key that helps unlock the cells in our body so sugar can get inside and be used for energy. When our bodies don’t use insulin properly, sugar starts to build up in our blood, which can cause all sorts of health problems.

Metformin works in a few different ways to help treat type 2 diabetes. First, it helps make our bodies more sensitive to insulin, so the insulin we do have can work better. It also helps reduce the amount of sugar our liver makes. Normally, our liver releases extra sugar into our blood when our blood sugar levels are low, but metformin stops this from happening. By improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the production of glucose in the liver, metformin helps lower blood sugar levels and keeps them in a healthy range.

It’s important to note that metformin is not a cure for type 2 diabetes. It is used alongside other lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, to help manage the condition and keep blood sugar levels under control.