Metformin, a common medication for type 2 diabetes, doesn't just lower blood sugar; it tackles the problem from multiple angles. Think of it as a multi-tasker working behind the scenes.
Firstly, it dials down glucose production in the liver. Your liver naturally creates glucose, but in type 2 diabetes, it often overproduces it. Metformin tells the liver to ease up on this process. Secondly, it boosts your body's sensitivity to insulin. Insulin is the key that unlocks your cells to allow glucose to enter for energy. Metformin makes your cells more receptive to this key, allowing glucose to move out of the bloodstream and into your cells more effectively.
Finally, metformin slightly reduces glucose absorption in the intestines. This means less glucose enters your bloodstream in the first place after a meal. While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, the combined effect of these actions helps regulate blood sugar levels, making metformin a cornerstone treatment for type 2 diabetes.
