What does that drug do? Focus on Metformin

Possible doses: Metformin is an established, safe, glucose-lowering pill that has been part of diabetes care for more than half a century. It is usually taken twice daily but may also be taken either once daily or three times daily. The maximum effect on glucose lowering is usually achieved with 2000 mg or 2 g daily.

What it does: Metformin is used to lower glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, like any drug, it will work better in some people than in others for reasons that are not clearly understood. Research suggests that it might also reduce the risk of heart attacks.

How it works: Metformin works by reducing the amount of glucose released by the liver when people are not eating. It might also affect absorption of glucose through the gut and the use of glucose by cells. 

Side effects: Although most people have no side effects, about a third of people might have a mild stomach upset and about one out of ten people have diarrhea that may require stopping the drug. Bottom line: The bottom line is that metformin is widely used, effective, and inexpensive and remains an important part of diabetes care for many people with type 2 diabetes.

About the author

Hertzel Gerstein, Endocrinologist

Hertzel is an endocrinologist and professor at McMaster University who is in high demand as a speaker, advocate, and educator on diabetes-related topics. His research focuses on using large, international randomized trials to identify and test new ways of preventing type 2 diabetes, reducing serious health outcomes like strokes and death, and achieving type 2 diabetes remissions.