For type 2 diabetes and PCOS, metformin typically starts working within 48 hours of the first dose, says Dr. Wheeler. “Your provider might recommend adjustments of your metformin dose to see the optimal response and it can take up to three months to see changes in laboratory studies.”
Many people with diabetes who are prescribed metformin lose around 2% to 3% of their body weight within the first year of starting the drug.
Metformin will usually start lowering your blood sugar (glucose) levels in the first week of treatment, but it may take 2 to 3 months to see its full effect. Metformin is a preferred initial oral treatment for people with type 2 diabetes, and is usually taken on a long-term basis.
Clinical studies have shown an average weight loss of: 0.7 to 3.8 kg (1.5 to 8.4 lbs) with metformin alone over various time periods.
Even though metformin may lead to some weight loss, the amount you lose may be far less than expected. On average, weight loss after one year on the drug is only six pounds, according to past research.
This is because metformin can build up in the body if your kidneys aren't able to get rid of it properly. Other health conditions, such as liver disease and heart failure, can also increase your risk of lactic acidosis, a potentially severe but rare metformin side effect.
"Metformin, however, can cause lactic acidosis in conditions where lactic acid production is high and the disposal of lactic acid is reduced. In conditions such as circulatory failure, sepsis, and anoxia or hypoxia, metformin use may result in lactic acidosis and should be avoided.
“Because the metformin helps your cells absorb sugar like they should, I've noticed an increase in energy and the ability to actually feel satisfied and not want to snack so much because my body's utilizing sugar like it should,” Steve says.
Metformin, a widely used first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D), is known to reduce blood glucose levels and suppress appetite.
Improvements in ovulation, menstrual regulation, and blood glucose levels are all signs that point in the direction that metformin is working if taken for PCOS. As with the use of metformin for other conditions, it may take a few months for positive results to be noticed.
It's best to take metformin tablets with, or just after, your evening meal to reduce the chance of getting side effects. Swallow your metformin tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them. If you're taking metformin sachets, pour the powder into a glass and add water (about 150ml).
Metformin may also reduce weight by decreasing the amount of visceral fat in the liver and muscle tissue. Visceral fat is stored within the abdominal cavity, which contains several internal organs, including the liver, stomach, and intestines.
While metformin is a more common first-choice medication for Type 2 diabetes, weight loss is more likely with Ozempic. Ozempic can also lower your risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) if you have diabetes and heart disease.
Stomach trouble is the most common metformin side effect. About 25% of people have problems such as: Bloating. Gas.
Taking metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency if you take it for a long time. This can make you feel very tired, breathless and faint, so your doctor may check the vitamin B12 level in your blood. If your vitamin B12 levels become too low, vitamin B12 supplements will help.
The bottom line. Managing diabetes with metformin includes avoiding certain foods that can prevent your medication from working as well. Some foods like high-sugar, high-fat foods can make your blood sugar spike quickly or make it hard for metformin to be absorbed.
IMPORTANT WARNING: has been expanded. Metformin may rarely cause a serious, life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take metformin.
While some studies have reported significant changes in the gut microbiota following metformin treatment, others have found no significant effects [14,15]. Furthermore, there is conflicting evidence regarding the direction and magnitude of the effect.
Dapagliflozin is mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It can also be used to treat heart failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dapagliflozin is usually prescribed if: you have type 2 diabetes and cannot take metformin.
It could possibly lead to more frequent and loose stools as your body tries to readjust. Another possible explanation is that metformin alters the movement of certain gut chemicals, like serotonin or histamine. This can lead to diarrhea.
Metformin dosage for weight loss
That said, a meta-analysis of studies on the effectiveness of metformin for weight loss found that the typical dosing in studies was between 1,000 mg and 2,000 mg per day, with one study using the maximum dose of 2,550 mg per day.