10 Frequently Asked Questions about Metformin, to solve the troubles of sugar friends!

Q: Do I need to take a supplement if I forget to take metformin?

Answer: Metformin does not increase insulin secretion, and it generally does not cause hypoglycemia when used alone. For patients taking biguanide drugs, the missed dose occurs within 2 hours after meals. If the blood sugar is only slightly elevated, the blood sugar can be reduced by temporarily increasing the amount of exercise, and there is no need to make up the dose; if the blood sugar is significantly increased, the original dose can be used. Make up. If you notice that it is time for your next dose of metformin when you miss a dose, you don't need to take it again.

Q: Can a thin diabetic patient take metformin?

A: People with type 2 diabetes can use metformin regardless of whether they are overweight or not. For obese diabetic patients, metformin has a certain weight loss effect.

Q: Does metformin cause hypoglycemia?

Answer: Metformin is a commonly used drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and generally does not cause hypoglycemia and is safe to use. However, when eating too little or not supplementing enough energy after a large amount of exercise, when combined with other hypoglycemic drugs (such as sulfonylureas and insulin) or drinking alcohol, hypoglycemia will occur, and attention should be paid.

Q: How should metformin be started?

Answer: hypoglycemic drugs should be started with a small dose and gradually increased. In general, the minimum recommended dose of metformin is 500 mg/day, the optimal effective dose is 2000 mg/day, and the maximum recommended dose is 2550 mg/day.

Q: Should Metformin be taken with or after meals?

A: Regular tablets or capsules should be taken with or after meals to relieve gastrointestinal adverse effects such as diarrhea, indigestion and abdominal discomfort. Extended-release tablets or capsules are usually taken with or after a meal. Enteric-coated tablets or capsules have mild gastrointestinal reactions and should be taken 30 minutes before meals. When the postprandial blood glucose reaches the peak, the drug concentration is correspondingly higher, which can better cover the postprandial blood glucose peak.

Q: What tests do I need to do with metformin?

A: During the period of taking metformin, kidney function should be checked regularly to reduce the occurrence of lactic acidosis, especially in elderly patients over 65 years old, kidney function should be checked regularly. Periodic blood tests should also be performed while taking metformin, because metformin can reduce the absorption of vitamin B12, resulting in megaloblastic anemia.

Q: What oral hypoglycemic drugs can metformin be used in combination with?

A: Metformin can be used in combination with any other oral hypoglycemic drugs. In patients with poor glycemic control who have been treated with metformin alone for 3 months at full doses, consider adding a second hypoglycemic agent as prescribed.

Q: Can I also take metformin with insulin injections?

A: Metformin in combination with insulin can further improve glycemic control and reduce insulin dosage and reduce the risk of weight gain and hypoglycemia associated with insulin therapy. Metformin can also be added to insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Q: At what age can an elderly diabetic patient not take metformin?

A: There is no age limit when metformin is used in the elderly population. Because elderly patients may have decreased renal function, renal function should be checked regularly before and during drug treatment, and the dose of metformin should be adjusted according to renal function.

Q: Can people with proteinuria take metformin?

Answer: Patients with renal insufficiency need to adjust the dose of metformin through the level of eGFR (glomerular filtration rate): eGFR ≥ 60ml/(min? 1.73m2) do not need to adjust the dose, eGFR is 45 ~ 59ml/(min? 1.73m2) need to be adjusted Dose, eGFR<45ml/(min? 1.73m2) is disabled.