metaformin?

Question

how drug metaformin works? how it works to lower the insulin resistance?

Answer 1

Metformin (Glucophage) does not directly lower the glucose level at all.... the above statement is misleading. It merely aids our insulin in getting it's job done (much like cinnamon does) by increasing the sensitivity of cell receptors to insulin's action of "unlocking" the cell walls to allow glucose to enter. It also slows the conversion of glycogen into glucose by the liver. The last thing it does is slow absorption of glucose in the intestine. That's why it's usually prescribed to take before a meal... that is if your doctor knows what he's doing.

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank Sandesh (below) for saying exactly what I said in much easier to understand terminology.

Answer 2

Its mode of action appears to be mainly by reduction of hepatic gluconeogenesis, but also decreased absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract and increased insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral utilization of glucose.

The 'average' person with type 2 diabetes has three times the normal rate of gluconeogenesis; metformin treatment reduces this by over one third.

Answer 3

It reduces the glucose level. I am a diabetic. When I take 500mg of it, my glucose level comes down by 60mg/dcl.

But I have found one more remedy. If I exercise and burn 120 calories, my glucose level goes down same 60 mg/dcl.