Metformin is well known to Diabetic patients as it is the most cost-effective and secure medication for treating type 2 diabetes. Though it works effectively to treat diabetes in individuals, it also has side effects. Such people would then need to find the finest metformin substitute. We’ll read about some metformin substitutes in the following article. Know more about metformin alternatives
Why do certain patients require metformin substitutes?
Metformin side effects are common in diabetic patients, including nausea, throwing up, cramps, constipation, B12 deficit, weight loss, nerve damage, etc. It occasionally displays other effects, such as hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis risk, and kidney damage.
It may be unfavorable to use metformin immediately if someone is already taking specific drugs for any condition since metformin exhibits some drug-to-drug interactions. Not everyone benefits from metformin. Hence, they must seek alternatives from the market.
Metformin Alternatives
SGLT – 2 Inhibitors
Usage: This medication helps to manage blood sugar levels by excreting excess glucose through the urine.
Additionally, the medication lowers the chances of heart disease and stroke and encourages HbA1C decrease and weight loss.
Patients with kidney problems are not recommended to consume this medication, as it significantly affects the kidneys.
Dosage: 5–10 mg once daily.
Side effects:
- Kidney injury possibility
- Urinating frequently
- Frequent UTI risk
- Low blood pressure makes people thirstier and more dehydrated
- Diabetes ketoacidosis risk
- Increased danger of amputation
GLP – 1 Receptor Agonists
Usage: This is available in both oral and injectable form. Patients with kidney disease can safely use this since they lower the risk of kidney damage and promote heart health.
It is a good alternative for lowering blood sugar and HbA1C levels and improving sugar regulation.
Dosage: 0.6mg daily for a week, then 1.2 – 1.8mg once a day.
Side-effects:
- Hypoglycemia (If insulin intake)
- Nausea
- Weight Loss
- Diarrhea
Sulfonylureas
Usage: These oral medicines can reduce HbA1C levels,
and promotes insulin secretion and assists your body in becoming more insulin-sensitive.
Dosage: For a week, take 5 mg daily. Then, increase it to 10 and 20 mg. The maintenance dose might range from 100 to 250 mg per day.
Side-effects:
- increased appetite
- Gain in weight
- Low blood sugar levels
- stomach ache
DPP – 4 Inhibitors
Usage: These drugs stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin and inhibit the liver’s ability to make glucagon, lowering blood sugar levels and HbA1C. But neither heart disease nor renal damage are prevented by these medications.
Dosage: 5-100 mg once daily.
Side-effects:
- Body pain
- Fever
- stomach ache
- hypoglycemia
- Pancreatitis
Thiazolidinediones
Usage: TZD medications lower cell insulin resistance and stabilize blood sugar levels. This medication can’t prevent cardiac disorders or aid in weight loss.
Dosage: 15 mg PO once per day.
Side-effects:
- Heart disease risk
- Bone fracture prone
- gaining weight
- Legs, arms, foot, and hands edema
Natural alternatives
- Add low-glycemic food to your diet.
- Exercise and practice physical activities regularly in your lifestyle.
- Take weight loss measures.
- Use herbs such as fenugreek, neem, bitter gourd, jamun.
- Add nuts and seeds to your diet.
