Metformin HCl is an essential and widely used drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly in overweight patients. This medication has a long history of proven efficacy in managing blood glucose levels, making it an essential therapy component for millions of patients. This article delves into its mechanism of action and addresses questions about its increasing use for weight loss.
What is metformin and how does it work?
Metformin belongs to the class of oral hypoglycemic agents, influencing the function of certain metabolic enzymes to reduce blood glucose levels. It regulates these levels through three distinct actions: reducing hepatic glucose production by decreasing gluconeogenesis, increasing glucose uptake by peripheral tissues to promote glycolysis, and limiting glucose absorption at the intestinal level. This triple mechanism enables metformin to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent long-term complications associated with type 2 diabetes.
This combined action is achieved by activating an enzyme called AMPK, which is present in all cells of the body. This enzyme is activated when cellular energy levels drop, prioritizing energy consumption over production. Overall, metformin is a well-tolerated drug that primarily works in individuals with type 2 diabetes and does not cause hypoglycemia at standard dosages.
Other benefits of metformin
In addition to its hypoglycemic effect, metformin offers other significant benefits:
- It improves lipid profiles by reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent vascular complications caused by diabetes.
A main debate about metformin is its weight management and obesity treatment capabilities. While the drug has shown weight-reducing effects in some patients, this typically occurs in individuals with insulin resistance. The effect is linked to improved insulin sensitivity, which promotes better metabolic regulation.
However, it is important to note that metformin has yet to be approved in Europe as a weight-loss agent, and its effects in this area require further study. Patients interested in this aspect should receive a thorough medical consultation, considering their clinical history.
Metformin or semaglutide?
A common question concerns the difference between metformin and semaglutide, another powerful medication for type 2 diabetes that is widely used worldwide. Both drugs have been evaluated for obesity treatment in addition to their primary functions.
The key difference lies in their mechanisms of action: metformin reduces glucose production and blood sugar levels, whereas semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that increases insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. This gives semaglutide a more direct effect on weight loss compared to metformin, but both drugs are primarily prescribed for diabetic patients.
The distribution of metformin and other APIs for diabetes treatment
For over 30 years, Flarer has been active in the pharmaceutical industry, providing high-quality APIs that include substances essential for diabetes care, such as metformin and semaglutide. We have an extensive international network of certified producers and suppliers adhering to European standards and are at the forefront of supporting R&D laboratories with tailored solutions.
Our company offers comprehensive services that ensure 360° support, from scouting and regulatory support to logistics, guiding our clients through acquiring APIs. For those interested in learning more about our services, our consultants are always available. Contact us for further information.