Metformin

Metformin is a widely used oral medication primarily for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus:

1. Medical Uses:

• Blood Sugar Control in Type 2 Diabetes:
  Metformin helps lower blood glucose levels by:
  • Reducing glucose production in the liver (hepatic gluconeogenesis).
  • Enhancing insulin sensitivity in muscles, allowing better glucose uptake.
  • Minimizing glucose absorption from the intestines.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
  Often prescribed to manage insulin resistance in women with PCOS, helping regulate menstrual cycles and improve fertility.
• Prevention of Diabetes:
  Used in pre-diabetic individuals to delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational Diabetes:
  Sometimes prescribed during pregnancy to manage blood sugar levels when insulin injections are not feasible.

2. Emerging Uses:

• Anti-aging Research:
  Metformin is being studied for its potential role in increasing lifespan and reducing age-related diseases.
• Cancer Research:
  Ongoing studies suggest that Metformin may reduce the risk of certain cancers, especially in diabetic patients, by inhibiting tumor growth.

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