Metformin and Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance syndrome is a physical condition when the naturally present insulin hormone in the body becomes ineffective in the metabolism of sugar or glucose in the liver. This gives rise to heightened sugar levels in the blood stream which in turn results in various serious disorders such as type 2 diabetes, Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS), Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD), and premature puberty.rnType 2 diabetes is a condition when the liver fails to respond to the insulin present in the system, thereby making the blood sugar levels to shoot up to a dangerously high level. In women with PCOS, the insulin resistance makes the ovaries release more eggs than required resulting irregular menstrual cycle and infertility.rnMetformin Metforal though primarily used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes is now widely used to treat many insulin resistance conditions. It has been found that in type 2 diabetes and other insulin resistant conditions the liver releases the glucose produced after a meal directly into the blood stream without metabolizing due to the failed insulin response by the cells. Also when early on in the morning when the stomach is empty liver releases the sugar into the blood in absence of fasting insulin levels.rnThis causes a sudden and dramatic rise in the blood sugar levels which are harmful to the body. Now what metformin does is that it reduces the very production of glucose in the liver. This makes no glucose available to the liver to dump into the blood stream.rnMetformin thus not only helps in reducing the sugar levels in the blood but by doing so it also reduces cholesterol, helps in managing weight, regulates ovulation in PCOS women, helps in controlling and curing gestational diabetes and lowers the chances of developing cancer.rnMetformin thus is a wonder drug that helps in treating various conditions caused due to insulin resistance. However caution must be taken while taking this drug as Metformin is a diuretic and can cause kidney problems. The other mild adverse effects of this medicine are gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and increased flatulence. rnMetformin comes in both liquid and tablet form. The cyrup owing to its better absorbtion and quicker results is better than the pill form. Metformin is a prescription medicine and you should always consult a doctor before taking this medicine. For the medicine to work best, it should be taken on the same time every day.