Metformin side effects in the treatment of diabetes

There are several types of diabetes drugs that can be used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. One of the drugs most often recommended by doctors is metformin. These drugs work by reducing the level of sugar that the liver passes into the bloodstream and makes the body more sensitive to insulin. However, as with other types of drugs, metformin has side effects in its use, both in the short and long term. What are the side effects of metformin?

Long-term side effects of metformin

Diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by high blood sugar levels. The goal of diabetes treatment through drug consumption is to help lower sugar levels. That way, blood sugar can remain stable under normal circumstances.

Although it is one of the most reliable diabetes drugs, it turns out that metformin does not always work effectively for every type 2 diabetes sufferer. One of the causes is the side effect of this drug which actually weakens the health condition of the diabetics (diabetics).

The following are types of metformin side effects that can potentially occur:

1. Lactic acidosis

Although it is rare, lactic acidosis has the potential to be the most serious side effect of metformin. Lactic acidosis is a buildup of lactic acid in the body which can be fatal.

Lactic acidosis occurs because metformin is able to produce large amounts of lactic acid. Lactic acid itself is a product of anaerobic metabolism (without oxygen) which will make the blood pH more acidic. If the level is very high, it can cause damage or failure of the function of various organs in the body.

Lactic acidosis as a long-term side effect of metformin can cause symptoms, such as:

• Muscle pain or feeling weak
• Numbness or cold feeling in the hands and feet
• Difficulty breathing
• Feel dizzy, head spinning, tired, and very weak
• Stomach pain, nausea accompanied by vomiting
• Slow or irregular heartbeat

2. Vitamin B12 deficiency

Long-term consumption of metformin causes decreased levels of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause health problems because this vitamin is important for carrying out DNA functions, red blood cell production, and other biochemical functions in the body.

Reduced vitamin B12 in the blood can also cause megoblastic anemia in which the bone marrow cannot produce enough red blood cells. Although relatively rare, this condition can occur if you are deficient in vitamin B12 as a side effect of using this diabetes drug in the long term.

The following are symptoms of the metformin side effects that cause vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Skin discoloration
• Inflammation of the tongue
• Reduced body reflexes
• Feeling restless and restless
• The ability to smell is reduced
• Damage to the nerves
• Difficulty walking
• Peripheral nerve disorders such as tingling in the fingers, fatigue, muscle aches, and forgetfulness.

3. Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood sugar levels are lower than normal. If your blood sugar drops dramatically, this puts you at risk of causing harm to your health. This condition is also sometimes found as a side effect of metformin consumption in diabetics.

The side effects of long-term use of metformin that cause hypoglycemia will cause symptoms such as:

• The body is weak and tired
• Dizzy
• Nausea
• Gag
• Stomach ache
• The head feels light or floating
• Heart rate slows or speeds up

Other side effects of metformin

Apart from the aforementioned long term effects which have been mentioned already, there are also side effects which can appear within a short time from using this medicine.

According to a report from the University of Louisiana Monroe about 30% of people complain of other side effects of using metformin, such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion
• Decreased appetite
• Muscle aches and cramps
• Stomach ache
• Cold
• Stomach ache
• Weakened body
• Cough and hoarseness
• Diarrhea
• Limp and sleepy

Doctors will usually prescribe metformin in low doses in the early stages of diabetes management to avoid this side effect.

Risk factors for metformin side effects

Apart from changes in dosage, there are also several factors that make a person more at risk of experiencing side effects of metformin, such as:

1. Underwent surgery

Surgery and radiology can slow down the removal of metformin from your body. As a result, this can increase your risk of experiencing side effects in the form of lactic acidosis.

If you are planning to have a surgical or radiological procedure, you must stop taking metformin 48 hours before having the procedure.

2. Drinking alcohol to excess

Drinking alcohol while taking metformin can increase your risk of developing hypoglycemia. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption also has the potential to trigger lactic acidosis. This is because alcohol increases the levels of lactic acid in your body.

You must not drink alcohol to excess while taking this medicine. If necessary, you should not drink alcohol at all so you can avoid the risk of metformin side effects.

3. Kidney disorders

Your kidneys remove the remaining metformin from the body. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, there will be too much metformin in your body which can put you at risk for lactic acidosis.

If you have kidney problems that are classified as mild and moderate, your doctor may prescribe a low dose of metformin.

However, if your kidney problems are severe and you are over 80 years of age, your doctor will not prescribe metformin to treat your diabetes.

4. Suffering from heart and liver problems

You should not take metformin if you have acute heart failure or have recently had a heart attack.

A problematic heart may not be able to supply enough blood to the kidneys. This condition causes the kidneys to be unable to get rid of metformin properly so that the risk of developing lactic acidosis is high.

You also should not take metformin treatment if you have liver problems. One of the functions of your liver is to remove lactic acid from the body.

So, if the liver is not functioning properly, lactic acid will build up in the body. This condition can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.

Everyone's body is different, so the response to metformin drugs will also vary. In other words, the various side effects mentioned above do not always appear in everyone.

Your doctor will consider which risk is greater, the risk of metformin side effects or the risk of dangerous diabetes complications. Therefore, always consult your doctor about your condition and any changes you feel after taking this medicine.

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