What is metformin?

Is also known as Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR,
Glumetza and Riomet).Metformin is an oral diabetes medicine
that helps control blood sugar levels.

Metformin is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.

For those of you who were asking if Metformin is really bad for you
I will let you make the decision after you read the following
possible side affects.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health
care professional as soon as possible:

Serious Reactions

* lactic acidosis - is when lactic acid builds ups in the blood
stream faster than it can be removed. Lactic acid is produced when
oxygen levels in the body... Get emergency medical help if you have
any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis:
weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling,
muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling
light-headed, and fainting

* anemia - is a condition where there is a lower than normal
number of red blood cells in the blood, usually measured by a
decrease in the amount of hemoglobin....

Common Reactions that usually do not require medical
attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if
they continue or are bothersome):

- decreased appetite
- gas
- heartburn
- metallic taste in the mouth
- mild stomachache
- nausea/vomiting
- weight loss
- rash
- diarrhea
- flatulence
- asthenia
- indigestion
- abdominal discomfort

In combination with other diabetic medications, (like acarbose,
glyburide, glipizide, miglitol, or insulin), metformin may cause
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Contact your health care professional if you experience symptoms
of low blood sugar, which may include:
-anxiety or nervousness, confusion, difficulty concentrating,
hunger, pale skin, nausea, fatigue, sweating, headache,
palpitations, numbness of the mouth, tingling in the fingers,
tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold sensations,
uncontrolled yawning, irritability, rapid heartbeat, shallow
breathing, and loss of consciousness

[Article written by Julia Hanf author of the book "How to Play the
Diabetes Diet Game and Win"]