What researchers have learned in the past several years is that metformin has many other positive benefits beyond controlling blood glucose levels with very low risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). One major effect of metformin is a decrease in the production and release of glucose from the liver. When used in combination with antidiabetic drug sulfonylurea or insulin, metformin also can help minimize the weight gain frequently associated with these medications. It can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, lower blood fat levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. And when taken by individuals treated intensively with sulphonylureas, a class of oral medications that control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes by stimulatingproduction of insulin, or insulin alone, metformin also significantly decreased the risk of stroke.
What’s more, a recent study suggested those with diabetes who take metformin reduce their risk of open angle glaucoma (pressure in the eyes) by 21 percent. Another report looking at the results of sleep studies suggested that people with diabetes who take metformin had better sleep, or if they had evidence of sleep apnea, it appeared to be less severe. And there is even evidence that metformin might be good for bone density, with a positive effect on specific cells involved in bone formation. Recent studies have examined whether the use of metformin in those with kidney disease may be much safer than originally thought. Similarly, in people who have a chronic condition such as congestive heart failure, there is accumulating evidence that metformin again might be much safer than researchers initially theorized.
