Benefits of Metformin
Long considered the “first line of defense” in treating type 2 diabetes, metformin works primarily by suppressing how much glucose (sugar) the liver produces. It can also reduce your appetite, reduce how much sugar is absorbed from the carbohydrates you eat, and slow down the digestion of your meal. All these effects can help with a small amount of weight loss.
“There are so many benefits of metformin. Metformin actually increases your body’s natural GLP-1 production,” explains Lori Wenz, a nurse practitioner who’s been caring for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity for over 10 years at Western Colorado Weight Care in Grand Junction.
But Wenz says researchers are still learning about less-obvious benefits of metformin.
“In research, we also see positive changes in the gut microbiome in people taking metformin,” says Wenz. “We know metformin changes how you absorb macronutrients, particularly carbohydrates, but possibly fats and proteins, too.”
Research suggests metformin benefits may even include reducing your risk of developing certain health conditions, like dementia, and improving your LDL cholesterol levels.
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“Other benefits of metformin include that it is safe,” adds King. “And it doesn’t cause weight gain, is highly effective when taken consistently, doesn’t cause hypoglycemia, and it’s relatively affordable.”
While the impact of metformin is significantly more subtle and gradual than that of GLP-1s, it’s still beneficial for almost anyone with diabetes, regardless of other medications.
