If you are hovering on this page, you already know how crucial metformin is for Type 2 diabetes. It stabilizes the A1C hemoglobin levels, increasing glucose metabolism and its specific utilization in the body. Naturally, it assists in improving the quality of life. However, at times, it does not work in the ideal way that it should. So, in case you are in doubt, it is better to check out the signs metformin is working to be on the safe side.
In this article, you will get a detailed idea about the signs of its working, the time that it takes to show effect, and other tidbits that you want to know about the same. Here’s the specifics –
Table of Contents
What are the signs metformin is working?
Here are some stark indications of the same –
1. Controlled and comparatively reduced blood sugar levels
The first confirmation you will get is – your blood sugar levels. As mentioned before, it takes approximately 2 weeks to 2 months to show a marked difference. If your blood sugar gets controlled within that period and stays low in the coming times, assuredly, the medication is working just correctly for you.
2. Stabilised Hemoglobin A1C levels
You must already be aware that hemoglobin A1C is a measure of your long-term glucose control. Therefore, consistent signs metformin is working for you include – stabilized hemoglobin levels (at times even decreased) during the course of the medication. If you notice the same, take it as a positive sign.
3. Weight loss and controlled weight in the long run
The initial sign of a controlled blood sugar level is – weight loss. Additionally, if metformin works correctly for you, you will be able to maintain a standard weight in the long run, thereby ensuring your overall well-being.
4. Reduced hyperglycemia symptoms
One of the biggest signs of diabetes is – an increased frequency of urination but a decreased amount of thirst. One of the key signs metformin is working is – that with your controlled blood sugar levels, the urination frequency will reduce, and your thirst levels will be normalized.
5. Improved energy levels
Lastly, the critical sign that the metformin dose is working correctly for you is – enhanced energy levels and reduced fatigue. Automatically, this will affect your body on the whole and assuredly improve your physical well-being to a great extent.
How long does it take to work?
There’s something to know even before checking out signs metformin is working. That is – figuring out the time that it takes to work. For the unversed, metformin is a long-term medication for diabetes, and hence, many people continue taking it for a lifetime.
However, as per surveys, for most people, it starts working within the first week. In the case of certain people, to see even a minimal change, one had to wait for close to 2 months. An independent study shows that in a study counting 700 people, metformin ER lowered the blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C levels in the preliminary week itself.
Therefore, it’s a long range of initial two weeks to the first two months that you must check to understand how well metformin works on the patient.
What if its not working?
Just like there are categorical signs metformin is working quite similarly, there are specific indications to know that it is not working. Let’s check those out to help you notice the specifics –
- If your blood sugar levels do not change, despite you consuming it for over a month, then that’s an indication that you either need to increase the dose or add a combination dose to it.
- Another indication that the medicine is not working the way it should is – if your hemoglobin A1C levels have not changed. Along with the blood sugar, this is an important indicator of your improvement. Additionally, if your hunger or thirst rises or fatigue or lethargy increases, then it’s time to consult your medical practitioner.
- Lastly, if instead of losing weight, you are gaining it – assuredly, there’s a problem with your medication, and you need to consult a doctor immediately.
What you must note is that if action on this is not taken at the earliest, it could give rise to a range of complications, like chronic kidney issues, hypertension, and even stroke (worst case scenario).
Final Takeaway
It is a well-noted fact that metformin is the go-to drug for dealing with type 2 diabetes. Having said that, the signs metformin is working differs from person to person and may take anywhere from an initial two weeks to up to two months. It also depends on whether you are taking the IR or the ER format. Therefore, as a conscious individual, you must be cautious of the specifics associated with this medicine and try not to miss its dosage.
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FAQ
1. What is the ideal time to take metformin?
Try to stick to the time prescribed by your medical practitioner. For your information, if you take it once a day, then the ideal time is right in the morning. However, if prescribed twice, then the correct timings are once in the morning and then in the evening. Also, if not specified otherwise, then take it with the biggest meal of the day (metformin with breakfast is a great combo).
2. What are its side effects?
The most probable side effects of this are – nausea, diarrhea, stomach issues (like bloating or gas), and headache. Most people face these side effects and can get rid of them in about a week. However, certain rare but serious side effects include lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia, and low Vitamin B12 levels.
3. Can it become less effective over time?
The point to note here is – that with time, diabetes progresses; hence to manage the effectiveness of this drug, you need to combine it with the correct set of diet and exercise.
4. What if you miss a dosage?
If you have missed a dose, then take it as soon as you remember. However, if you remember it at a very close to the next scheduled dosage, skip it and take the next dose (following the usual cycle). Try not to skip too many doses as it may have nasty side effects.
Monalisa Mukherjee is a content writer, copywriter and editor with 4 years of experience. She has written for websites like Biography Talk, The Rich Net Worth, Contour Cafe, He And She Fitness and Fiction Pad. She is currently associated with a noted Digital Marketing Agency and specialises in writing press release, guest posts, articles on travel, entertainment, food recipes, celebs, lifestyle, tech, health, and fashion.
