Metformin 500mg sustained release (SR) is a commonly used drug in the treatment of diabetes. It is designed to improve the experience for patients with it being convenient and having less side effects. This is because unlike the usual Metformin drug, SR Metformin allows for a controlled release of the drug into the bloodstream which can help maintain steady therapeutic levels of the drug over a longer period of time. This form of Metformin has produced positive outcomes in improving management of especially type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is also suggestion that it could be helpful in other medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
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Metformin is a type of drug (typically taken as an oral tablet of 500mg of Metformin) prescribed to help manage the high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is part of a class of drugs called ‘biguanides’ that work by decreasing the amount of glucose that the liver produces. This then makes the body more sensitive to insulin and lowers the levels of glucose absorbed in the intestines.
The effectiveness and the lower risk of side effects (e.g weight gain or low blood sugar) of Metformin means it is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the management of diabetes.
Metformin is mainly used to help control the high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The medication decreases the amount of glucose made in the liver and increases the sensitivity of insulin. This decreases glucose absorption in the intestines and helps to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Aside from type 2 diabetes, Metformin can also be used for:
The goal of the drug Metformin is to manage glucose levels in the body, it does this in a few ways:
Mechanism | How does it reduce glucose levels? |
Decreases glucose production in the liver. | By lowering the amount of glucose made by the liver, Metformin lowers blood glucose levels. |
Decreases glucose absorption in the intestines. | By reducing the glucose absorbed in the intestines, Metformin decreases the levels of glucose in the body. |
Improves insulin sensitivity. | By making the cells of the body more sensitive to insulin, more of the glucose in the blood gets absorbed and used effectively. |
For example, signs that metformin is working could be decreased HbA1c levels at your blood sugar monitoring tests.
Metformin and Metformin sustained release (SR) have the same active ingredient, the difference between them is how the medication is released and absorbed in the body.
Metformin (Immediate Release) | Metformin SR (Sustained Release) |
This form of Metformin releases the full dose of the medication at once.
This means that you need to take several tablets a day to maintain levels of the medication that can control blood sugar. | This is basically Slow release Metformin, it releases the medication gradually over a longer period of time.
This means you can take one tablet a day. The convenience can help improve patient adherence to the treatment plan.
The gradual release also lowers the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. |
Like all medication, Metformin can have side effects so it is important to be aware of them. Some common side effects include:
These symptoms usually decrease with time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if the problems persist, it is advised that you consult a medical professional who may make some adjustments or switch you to an alternative treatment.
There is also a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). This is more likely to happen if you are taking Metformin with another diabetic medication rather than Metformin on its own. Some early signs of hypoglycaemia are feeling sweaty, confused, and tired.
If left untreated, there is a risk of loss of consciousness. To prevent this, try to eat regular meals and carry a fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g sweets, fruit juice) with you to have in case your blood sugar gets too low. If your symptoms do not disappear even after a fast-acting carbohydrate, please seek medical attention.
There are some rare but serious side effects of Metformin. This is not an exhaustive list but if you experience any of these or you have any serious concerns, it is important that you consult a medical professional promptly.
Serious side effect | Symptoms |
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
This is a medical emergency so you must seek medical attention immediately.
| Breathing too fast or feeling like you cannot breathe Swollen mouth, lips, tongue Drowsiness or confusion |
Liver disease | Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes |
Vitamin B12 deficiency | Tiredness and muscle weakness Sore tongue and mouth ulcers Problems with your vision Yellowing or pale skin |
In the United Kingdom, Metformin can also be used to manage symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Despite the fact that Metformin is not officially licensed for PCOS treatment, it has shown effectiveness in managing the insulin resistance in PCOS and is thus often prescribed.
Here are some other ways Metformin can be beneficial in the treatment of PCOS:
There is also suggestion that there are long-term health benefits as Metformin can decrease levels of cholesterol. This reduces the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
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