Metformin and Diabetes
The population affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus is on the rise primarily due to the sedentary lifestyle adapted by many. Technology has contributed to easy and fast way of life to many. Rather than walk two blocks down the street to make an inquiry, a phone call or a live chart does the walking. Quality of diet has gone down to grabbing a snack for lunch and a takeaway for supper on the way home. The nutritional components are not considered due to lack of time. Genetics, intrauterine growth restrictions and prenatal under nutrition are possible causes of diabetes. Lifestyle and diet has contributed significantly to rise in number of people who are overweight which eventually develop to obesity. Excess weight and obesity are a possible cause of Diabetes mellitus 2.
Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a metabolic disorder caused by high blood glucose leading to insulin resistance and deficiency. Insulin resistance occurs when the body cells fail to respond when there is presence of insulin. The main Symptoms of diabetes are Polydisia (increased thirst), Polyuria (frequent urination), fatigue, Polyphagia (increased hunger) and weight loss. The condition can be managed initially by physical exercise and modification of diet. Progress of this condition requires medication.
Metformine is an oral drug used by People with diabetes mellitus 2 and are overweight or obese but with normal functioning kidney. Appropriate prescription of Metformine causes a few side effects. The most common Metformine side effects are gastrointestinal upset and lactic acidiosis (lactate build up in the blood). The former side effect only occurs when there is an overdose is a rare condition.
Diabetes 2 onset is delayed or prevented by regular exercise and proper nutrition. Impaired glucose tolerance is managed by exercise, diet and Metformine which reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Side effects of Metformine vary from one individual to another. Gastrointestinal upset are characterized by ramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and increased flatulence. Gastrointestinal upset is managed by the physicians on a personal level according to individual’s medical history.
People with hypothyroidism experience a decrease in blood level of thyroid-stimulating hormone. Men experience the reduction of luteinizing and testosterone hormone.
Glucophage is the original name by which Metformine was sold. Known glucophage side effects were noticed on its administration on people with diabetes combined with other conditions such as kidney failure and a history of heart disease. It was used alongside with insulin for treatment of diabetes 2.
A Patient was admitted in hospital in 1999 after fainting and injuring the head. The doctor recommended metformin hcl to be administered as an anticonvulsant drug. The correct dosage was administered initially but later the dosage error occurred. The erroneous overdose caused lethal levels of the drug in the blood system. The patient was rehabilitated for a month in hospital. This awakened the medical fraternity on metformine side effects. The medical practitioners take time to explain the correct dosage to patients as the professional ethics and law demands.