Glucophage – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Glucophage (generic name: metformin) is a drug used by diabetics to regulate their blood sugar levels.

Healthcare professionals usually prescribe Glucophage with proper diet and exercise for people with Type 2 diabetes. It is not prescribed for people with Type 1 diabetes.

People with the following conditions should seek the advice of a healthcare professional before taking Glucophage:

• Severe kidney disease
• Metabolic acidosis
• Diabetic acidosis
• Pre-existing heart problems (e.g., heart disease, congestive heart failure)
• Liver disease

In some people, Glucophage use can lead to lactic acidosis, a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. This becomes more likely if a person taking the drug is also suffering from another health condition, which could include a severe infection. It could also be caused by chronic alcoholism or even age.

Known health risks or side effects of Glucophage

If a person experiences hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face (especially the lips, tongue, and throat) — seek emergency medical help.

In addition, if a person develops lactic acidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition, after taking Glucophage, seek emergency medical help.

Common symptoms of lactic acidosis include:

• Feeling cold
• Unusual muscle pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling light-headed or dizzy
• Lethargy and weakness
• Stomach pain and vomiting
• Slowed and irregular heart rate

When taken regularly, Glucophage may cause a drop in blood sugar, nausea, an upset stomach, and diarrhea, among others.

List of organs that might be affected by Glucophage

In particular, Glucophage affects a person’s digestive system. It has been reported to cause a loss of appetite and abdominal pain in both adults and children, based on studies.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Glucophage

People suffering from Type 2 diabetes can take the following herbs and spices to manage their blood sugar levels. These herbs, in particular, exhibit a similar effect to that of Glucophage:

• Goat’s rue (Galega officinalis) is a plant commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a bevy of ailments, which include diabetes. Based on studies in the 1970s and 1980s, scientists have found that goat’s rue has anti-hyperglycemic properties. In particular, they found that galegine, an active ingredient in goat’s rue, resulted in a decrease in appetite in mice and a reduction in their blood sugar and overall weight.
• Berberine has been reported to be an effective natural alternative for managing symptoms of diabetes. However, taking it in large doses can lead to digestive system upset, flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, and even low blood pressure.
• Cinammon is also considered as a potential treatment for Type 2 diabetes. One study in Annals of Family Medicine reviewed 10 studies and found that those who took cinnamon exhibited better regulation of their blood sugar, compared with those who took a placebo.

Treatments, management options for the side effects of Glucophage

For sufferers of Type 2 diabetes, a basic lifestyle change is usually the first step for treating their condition. For a lot of people, this means regular exercise and a healthy diet. These, together with an effective weight loss plan, can help manage Type 2 diabetes better. In particular, a combination of aerobic and strength training exercise is needed, as well as a diet that is made to prevent spikes in sugar. In some cases, these changes remove the need for taking drugs like Glucophage to manage their blood sugar.

Where to learn more

• 11 Amazing Health Benefits of Berberine
• Medical insanity: Babies now being treated with dangerous diabetes drugs before they’re even born
• Barberine “Magic Bullet” Natural Diabetes Treatment
• A diet loaded with antioxidant rich foods improves insulin resistance
• Metformin causes vitamin B12 deficiency

Summary

Glucophage is a drug used by those with Type 2 diabetes to regulate their glucose levels.

Glucophage can lead to lactic acidosis, a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. Regularly use cause a drop in blood sugar, nausea, an upset stomach, and diarrhea, among others.

Glucophage affects a person’s digestive system.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet remove the need for taking drugs like Glucophage to manage a person’s blood sugar.

Sources include:

Drugs.com 1

Drugs.com 2

Livestrong.com

DrSamRobbins.com