What is the benefit of taking metformin at night?

No one likes taking drugs. However, if you are a diabetic, then you really have no choice if you want to remain alive. One drug mostly taken by diabetics especially type 2 diabetics, is metformin.

Metformin as mentioned earlier is a drug used for treating type 2 diabetes. It’s beneficial to take metformin tablets with or shortly after dinner. But why is this so? What is the benefit of taking metformin at night?

This article explains the benefit of taking metformin at night.

What is metformin?

Metformin, marketed under the trade names Glucophage and others, is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, especially in overweight adults. Metformin is available as a pill or a solution. Both versions are consumed orally.

There are two types of metformin oral tablets: immediate-release and extended-release. A generic version of the immediate-release pill is available. The brand names for the extended-release tablets are Fortamet and Glumetza.

Generic versions of both pill forms are available. Generics are frequently less expensive than their brand-name counterparts. They may not be available in all strengths or forms as brand-name medications in some circumstances.

What is the use of metformin?

Metformin oral pills are used to treat type 2 diabetes-related elevated blood sugar levels. They’re used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. This medication can be used as part of a multi-drug treatment. As a result, you may need to combine it with other medications.

How does metformin work?

Metformin is a member of the biguanide family of medicines. A drug class is a group of pharmaceuticals that all operate in the same way. These medicines are frequently used to treat illnesses that are similar to each other.

Metformin operates in the following ways:

• Boosting the effect of insulin on your body (Insulin is a hormone that aids in the removal of excess sugar from the bloodstream. Your blood sugar levels will be reduced as a result of this.)
• By lowering the quantity of glucose (sugar) produced by your liver
• Lowers the amount of glucose absorbed by your body

Can I take metformin at night?

If you’re on extended-release metformin, take it once a day, with your last meal of the day, at night. This permits the medicine to do its job of lowering your blood sugar levels effectively.

What is the benefit of taking metformin at night?

Extended-release metformin used at night has been demonstrated in studies to enhance diabetes control by lowering morning hyperglycemia and helping to address high glucose levels overnight.

Hormones such as cortisol and growth hormone tell the liver to increase glucose production, which gives you the energy to wake up in the early morning.

In order to keep blood glucose levels in balance, this causes beta cells in the pancreas to secrete insulin. However, if you have diabetes, you may not produce enough insulin or be insulin resistant, making it difficult to counteract the rise in blood sugar. As a result, when you wake up, your levels may be higher. By keeping your blood sugar in check, taking extended-release metformin at night can help prevent this.

Side effects of metformin

Metformin oral pills, like most medicines, can have mild to severe side effects. Metformin oral tablet side effects can range from moderate to severe.

The following are some of the more prevalent (mild) metformin adverse effects:

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach ache
• Indigestion
• Gas

The minor side effects may subside within a few days or weeks.

Metformin oral tablets can cause serious adverse effects; however, they are rare. If you experience serious metformin oral tablet side effects, contact your doctor or go to the hospital right away.

• Allergic reaction
• Low vitamin B12 level
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level)
• Lactic acidosis (a type of metabolic acidosis, a condition in which the body contains too much acid. Lactic acidosis develops when a person’s body produces too much lactate or utilizes it inefficiently, and the body is unable to adjust to these changes.)

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How long do the negative effects last?

The duration of your metformin side effects is determined by the type of side effects you’re experiencing. When you initially start using this medication, you may experience diarrhea. However, this adverse effect may fade away over time.

Other adverse effects, such as a low vitamin B12 level, may last for the duration of your metformin treatment.

Tell your doctor if you’re having problems with metformin oral tablets. They’ll be able to tell you how long the side effects are likely to last. They could also be able to offer suggestions for reducing your adverse effects.

Taking metformin oral tablet with other drugs

Metformin oral tablets have the potential to interact with a number of different drugs. Different encounters might have various outcomes. Some, for example, can impair a drug’s effectiveness while others can exacerbate negative effects.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you’re taking before starting metformin. Also, let them know if you use any vitamins, herbs, or supplements. You can avoid potential interactions by sharing this information.

Other medications that your doctor may advise you to use alongside metformin include:

• Glimepiride (Amaryl)
• Insulin, like insulin glargine (Lantus)
• Sitagliptin (Januvia)
• Glipizide (Glucotrol)
• Glyburide (DiaBeta)
• Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
• Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)

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Summary

Metformin is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes-related elevated blood sugar levels. It is also known as a “multi-drug,” meaning it can be taken with other medications. Metformin can be taken at night, and one benefit of taking this drug at night is that it lowers your blood sugar levels effectively.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Will I have to take metformin oral tablets for the rest of my life?

If metformin oral tablets help you, you’ll probably keep taking them for a long time.

What happens if I forget to take a dose of metformin oral tablets?

If you miss a dosage of metformin oral tablets, take it as soon as you remember. Then, as normal, take your next dose on time. To make up for a missing dose, never take two doses at once.

Is it necessary for me to take metformin oral tablets with food?

Yes, your metformin oral tablet doses should be taken with food. Take the immediate-release form twice a day with meals, and the extended-release version once a day with your evening meal.

How long does it take for metformin oral tablets to work?

Metformin oral tablets act immediately after you consume them. Because it is taken by mouth, it takes longer to start acting than injectable medications. If you need to lower your blood sugar quickly, your doctor may advise you to use a fast-acting insulin medication. Consult your doctor for further information about this.

Is it possible to chew, crush, or split metformin oral tablets?

Instant-release metformin pills can be crushed or split. Extended-release metformin pills, on the other hand, should never be broken, crushed, or chewed. This is due to the fact that breaking, crushing, or chewing the tablets alters how they function in your body.

Speak with your doctor if you’re experiencing problems taking the tablets. They might suggest switching to a different medicine or taking the liquid form of metformin by mouth.