Save On Metformin And Learn About Its Health Benefits

Metformin is an adjunct therapy to diet and exercise to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. High blood glucose is known as hyperglycemia. Metformin is not prescribed for Type I diabetes. However, metformin treats Type II diabetes in three ways:

• Helps the body maximize the use of its own natural insulin supply
• Limits intestinal absorption of sugar
• Reduces the liver’s production of sugar

Since its FDA approval in 1995, metformin has grown to become one of the most prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes mellitus. An estimated 42 million prescriptions were issued for metformin in the U.S. in 2009, making it a top 10 generic drug that year.

Metformin is a preferred medication to treat hyperglycemia in patients with obesity. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPPA) sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) included 3,234 participants who were considered pre-diabetic based on their blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, and weight.

Insulin resistance is the ineffective use of insulin by the body. Insulin resistance results in high glucose may lead to dependence on insulin therapy.

Study participants were divided into three groups:

Group I: Participants who received one-on-one guidance in an intensive diet and exercise program at least 16 times in the first 24 weeks, and then every 2 months with at least 1 phone call between visits.

Group II: Participants who took metformin and received standard advice for a diet and exercise.

Group III: Participants who took a placebo and received standard advice for a diet and exercise program.

15 Year Findings The Diabetes Prevention Program

How Does Metformin Work?

Metformin helps control sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, by reducing the amount of sugar the intestines absorb, improving the body’s ability to use its own natural supply of insulin, and reducing the amount of sugar the liver produces. Metformin does not increase the amount of insulin the body produces.

Is Metformin A Weight-Loss Drug?

Metformin is not FDA-approved as a weight-loss medication. However, studies have shown patients taking metformin in conjunction with medically-recommended diet and lifestyle changes have lost more weight than patients taking metformin alone. A six-month study using metformin to treat obesity in non-diabetic adults showed participants lost up to 13 pounds.¹ Patients with insulin resistance, a strong predictor of developing diabetes in the future) lost more weight than patients with insulin sensitivity.¹

What Are Off-Label Uses For Metformin?

Recent studies show metformin may

• Improving cognitive function and anti-aging*
• Neurological diseases*
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Cancer prevention and treatment*
• Gestational diabetes*
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women*

To ensure that we provide you with the best price, we may substitute one generic for another.

Reference

¹ Seifarth, Christian & Schehler, B & Schneider, Harald. (2012). Effectiveness of Metformin on Weight Loss in Non-Diabetic Individuals with Obesity. Experimental and clinical endocrinology & diabetes: official journal, German Society of Endocrinology [and] German Diabetes Association. 121. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1327734

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).