When to take Metformin Before or After Meals?
Metformin is now a very recognizable drug as the medication taken for type 2 diabetes. As the number of diabetes patients increases, these meds are becoming even more commonplace.
The key thing about taking these meds for controlling diabetes is timing. Some act on digestive hormones and should be taken before meals. Others work on blood sugar transport and are taken after meals. So it’s important to know when to take what.
So in this article well go into the details of when to take metformin and how it helps to control diabetes.
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What is Metformin?
Metformin is an FDA approved drug commonly prescribed for diabetes patients. It helps reduce blood sugar level. It is usually taken adjunct to proper diet and exercise to effectively control diabetes.
Metformin is prescribed to patients suffering from type 2 diabetes or is at high risk of developing diabetes. It is advised when a normal adjustment to diet and exercise isn’t enough to lower blood sugar. Metformin is also prescribed for PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). Though it’s used for treating PCOS has not been approved.
How does Metformin work?
Metformin is used to control the level of blood glucose in the blood after eating. Metformin works in a couple of different ways. Firstly, metformin inhibits the liver’s function to produce glucose and reduces sugar output. It also influences digestive hormones to regulate sugar absorption during the digestion of foods. Finally, it helps increase the sensitivity of target cells to insulin, allowing better utilization of blood sugar and reducing the overall sugar level in the blood.
Metformin has the added benefit that it doesn’t cause weight gain like most diabetic drugs. Some studies have shown that taking Metformin along with a proper diet and exercise can actually reduce weight.
How to take Metformin?
Metformin requires a special meal plan as it drastically affects blood sugar level. Metformin is usually taken as standard or extended-release tablets. It is also taken as an oral suspension.
Metformin tablets are taken with a meal. This reduces stomach and bowl side-effects that may occur. Tablets should be swallowed. Do not crush, break or chew it.
Take the oral liquid solution carefully with a marked measuring spoon. Preferably use the measuring spoon that came with the bottle.
Metformin Dosage:
Immediate release (Adult):
500 mg
850 mg
1000 mg
Extended release (Adult):
500 mg
750 mg
1000 mg
Oral solution:
500 mg
750 mg
1000 mg
For adults suffering from type 2 diabetes, the ideal dose is initially 500 mg every 12 hours or 850 mg once per day. Dosage should not exceed 2550 mg/day. For extended-release tablets, 500–1000 mg once per day with maximum dosage not exceeding 2500 mg/day.
When to take Metformin?
Now the important question. When should you take Metformin? Before or after you eat?
Actually the answer is both. Metformin is generally recommended to be taken with a meal to negate the side-effects. But many people take Metformin before meals as it shows better results but also causes the side-effects to be magnified.
Taking Metformin before a meal on an empty stomach can improve your blood sugar level. But you’ll face harsher stomach and bowel reactions. If you take it with a meal or immediately after a meal, it softens the blow of side-effects but your blood sugar level won’t be as good.
For patients who are new to taking Metformin. It is recommended to take it with a meal. This helps the body to adjust to the new medication and greatly reduces negative effects. Always follow your physician’s advice. Don’t change your dose unnecessarily and always inform your doctor in case of any serious reactions or side-effects.
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What happens if you miss your dose?
Metformin works on various levels to reduce blood sugar level. So if you miss your dose, you’ll lose your fragile blood sugar balance and it can be difficult to manage diabetes in this case. If you’ve forgotten to take your dose, try to take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take the missed dose if it’s already time for your next dose. If you’ve missed your lunch dose and it’s close to your dinner time, take only the normal dose during dinner. Never try to take two doses together to compensate.
What happens if you overdose?
Metformin has a very good safety profile. But in rare cases, overdoses may occur if it is not taken carefully. Overdose of metformin may cause lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a severe condition in which the blood pH level falls below 7.35 and begins to obstruct the body’s metabolic processes. It gradually escalates into coma and death. Overdose of Metformin also causes nausea vomiting diarrhea stomach pain excessive thirst loss of appetite shortness of breath low blood pressure kindly failure coma or cardiac arrest.
Metformin for weight loss:
Metformin is primarily a diabetes drug. So it’s principal function is to help reduce total blood sugar and overall diabetes control. However, some studies have shown that metformin has a fascinating quality, it causes weight loss.
Author Tip: Learn More About Metformin and Weight Loss
This fact has been actually documented in various studies. However, no conclusive proof or clear contributing factor has been discovered. Metformin is unique, where other diabetes drugs cause sudden and significant weight gain, Metformin works to reduce weight. It is important to know that the studies also indicated that the factor may not be Metformin alone, But a combination of regular medication, adequate exercise and moderate sugar intake.
Metformin is not a miracle drug to solve all your weight-related problems. So don’t run to the drug store just yet.
Conclusion:
So to sum up, Metformin is a pretty well-known diabetic drug and is very effective in controlling high blood sugar. You can take Metformin before or after a meal, but it is recommended to take it with a meal to minimize side-effects. Metformin can cause weight loss but it’s not universally corroborated. So always follow your physician’s advice while taking your medication and be sure to get a follow-up check if you face any side-effects or reactions.
The FAQs About Taking Metformin
Q. When to take metformin before or after meals?
Answer: You can take metformin half an hour before or with a meal. It’s effects will be the same.
Q. What is the benefit of taking metformin at night?
Answer: Taking metformin at night with a meal such as dinner according to prescription makes sure that you don’t have any nasty blood sugar spikes that diabetics experience in the morning.
Q. How long before a meal should you take metformin?
Answer: You can take metformin half an hour before a meal. It helps to control blood sugar more effectively.
Q. Can metformin be taken on an empty stomach?
Answer: Yes, metformin can be taken on an empty stomach. But beware of having stomach disturbances and other side-effects.
Q. Can you take metformin without a meal?
Answer: No, you should never take metformin without a meal. It might cause a sharp fall in blood sugar, that might result in loss of consciousness, coma or even death.
Q. What is the lowest dose of metformin you can take?
Answer: The lowest dose for metformin for an adult is 500 mg.
Q. Are there foods to avoid while taking metformin?
Answer: Alcohol intake can compound the effects of metformin and cause acute hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis. So avoid drinking. Also avoid excessively sweet foods and desserts.
Q. What is the best time to take metformin for weight loss?
Answer: Metformin does not directly contribute to weight loss. So there is no exact time or dosage to help reduce weight.
Q. Why is metformin taken after food?
Answer: Metformin is taken after food to help the body adjust to its action and also to control the fall of blood sugar gradually.
