Insulin resistance affects the body’s ability to properly use the hormone insulin, which over time increases blood sugar and the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance can significantly affect metabolic health when not managed effectively. However, some individuals with this condition struggle to reverse insulin resistance with healthy lifestyle habits alone.
This article answers the question: “does metformin help with insulin resistance?” It explores the effectiveness of metformin in managing insulin resistance, particularly in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
[signup]
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It’s secreted in response to sugars that undergo digestion and enter the bloodstream. When cells within the body function properly, insulin helps move sugar from the blood (blood sugar) into muscles, liver, fat cells, and other body tissues.
People with insulin resistance aren’t sensitive to insulin, causing excess insulin production and eventually (if not treated) high blood sugar, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes.
Insulin Resistance Symptoms
Insulin resistance typically appears over time, often because of lack of exercise and excess body fat — particularly belly fat. It affects more than 84 million adults (about 1 in 3 adults) in the United States.
While insulin resistance itself may not cause any symptoms, if it leads to high blood sugar it can contribute to:
- Headaches
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Blurred vision
- Increased hunger
- Slow-healing sores
- Skin infections
- Skin tags
- Darkened skin
- Eye issues
- Vaginal infections
Insulin resistance and excess insulin production over time increase the risk of high triglycerides, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
What is Metformin?
Metformin is a diabetes medication used to treat high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes; it also helps reduce insulin resistance. Individuals with these two types of diabetes aren’t able to effectively use insulin to move sugar from the blood into their muscle, liver, or fat cells.
Some people take metformin along with other medications or synthetic insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check, restoring the way their bodies utilize food to produce energy.
The dosage of metformin is important, as the amount taken must balance the type of food eaten and the amount of exercise an individual participates in. Metformin isn’t used for patients with type 1 diabetes, as they control their blood sugar using insulin injections.
Metformin requires a prescription. It’s available in the form of tablets, solutions, and suspensions.
How Does Metformin Work?
Metformin works to reduce blood sugar by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver, reducing intestinal absorption and enhancing insulin sensitivity. This results in metformin lowering blood sugar. This medication also plays a vital role in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by reducing insulin, androgen, and luteinizing hormone levels.
Metformin may help protect the heart and aid in modest weight loss, further adding to its many benefits for use in diabetes treatments.
Because the liver doesn’t significantly metabolize metformin, it's important to monitor kidney function during metformin treatment to ensure utmost effectiveness and safety.
The Role of Metformin in Managing Insulin Resistance
Studies found that metforman is the most common treatment for improving insulin sensitivity in people with insulin resistance, as this medication boosts glucose utilization among the various body cells.
Metformin for Insulin Resistance and PCOS
The specific benefits of metformin for people with PCOS include:
- Potential weight loss
- Reduced insulin levels
- Decreased luteinizing hormone
- Lower androgen levels
- Improved menstrual cycle regularity
- Better fertility in women
Lower levels of androgen in women with PCOSares often beneficial because excess androgen associated with the disease can lead to excess facial or body hair, severe acne, and male-pattern baldness.
Taking metformin also helps women with PCOS struggling with infertility to ovulate, increasing their risk of becoming pregnant.
Who Should Consider Metformin?
Individuals who may consider metformin include those who have or are at risk of insulin resistance. Examples of potential candidates include people diagnosed with:
Metformin is the only antidiabetic medication recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for prediabetes.
Before taking metformin, a healthcare provider reviews its pros and cons to determine if an individual is a candidate for this medicine based on their medical history, body weight, symptoms, lifestyle, current medication regimen, and lab test results.
Potential Side Effects and Management
As with most other medications, metformin may cause side effects, including:
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Gas
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Nausea
- Allergic reactions (hives, rash, itching, swelling, etc.)
- Muscle cramps
- Low vitamin B12 levels (numbness, tingling, pain, etc.)
Patients should report any stomach pain, trouble breathing, tingling, or numbness, muscle weakness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, discomfort, fatigue, or dizziness to their provider immediately.
Strategies that help minimize discomfort or adverse reactions include taking metformin exactly as directed and reporting any alarming side effects to a healthcare provider right away. Checking blood sugar regularly and reporting any irregularities helps a provider properly adjust metformin dosing.
Contraindications and Precautions
Taking metformin isn’t for everyone. Premenopausal women have an increased potential for becoming pregnant when taking this medication. People with liver or kidney issues aren’t good candidates for metformin.
Patients may have to stop taking metformin if they need surgery or a CT scan, MRI, or another imaging procedure.
Metformin can decrease vitamin B12 and folic acid in the body, so it’s important for individuals taking this medicine to consume enough vitamins and eat nutritious foods rich in micronutrients.
Implementing Metformin into Your Treatment Plan
Patients should take metformin exactly as directed to ensure its effectiveness. Take metformin by mouth with water and food. Don’t stop taking the medication unless directed to by a healthcare provider.
Typical dosing schedules vary based on the reason for metformin use, but often consist of doses of 500-2,550 milligrams daily. Metformin is available in immediate-release forms requiring twice-daily doses or extended-release forms requiring once-daily doses.
Begin with a “start low, go slow” approach when taking metformin for the first time. Individuals who miss doses shouldn’t double up on their next dosage.
Metformin can interact with certain medications, some dietary supplements, and alcohol. Patients should avoid skipping meals and carry a quick source of sugar, such as glucose tablets, with them in case of low blood sugar associated with metformin.
Healthcare providers can measure blood sugar control every few months (more often if needed) until they establish just the right dose. They might need to adjust medication doses because of changes in diet, exercise, or body weight. Store metformin at room temperature and protect it from light and moisture.
People taking metformin should wear an ID bracelet and carry a card describing their diagnoses and the specifics of their medications dosing.
Monitoring and Adjustments
It’s critical for healthcare providers to routinely monitor patients taking metformin. This includes discussing any symptom or side effects and completing routine lab tests and medical checkups to fine-tune dosing or better manage any side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does metformin help with insulin resistance? The following information addresses frequently asked questions regarding metformin and insulin resistance:
How long does it take for metformin to reduce insulin resistance?
Metformin generally takes about three hours to take effect after its administration. Individuals may notice blood sugar control improvements after 1-2 weeks with full effects of the medicine appearing after 2-3 months.
Will I lose weight if I take metformin?
Probably. Studies found that taking metformin is an inexpensive, safe medication that aids in modest weight loss and helps protect the heart. However, diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and other factors also affect body weight.
What is the long-term effect of taking metformin?
The long-term effects of taking metformin for people with insulin resistance is improved insulin sensitivity, better blood glucose control, a lower-risk of diabetes, or better diabetes management. Sometimes patients can eventually stop taking metformin. It can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency over time, which is why routine medical monitoring is critical.
[signup]
Key Takeaways
So, does metformin help with insulin resistance? Individuals with insulin resistance may experience numerous benefits by taking metformin if healthy lifestyle changes alone haven’t improved blood sugar control. Examples of the potential advantages of metformin include:
- Weight loss
- Reduced PCOS symptoms
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Better blood sugar control
- Reduced risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
- Lower risk of diabetes-related complications
- Improved fertility
- Better overall hormone balance
Individuals should take a comprehensive approach to treating insulin resistance by taking metformin or other medications if necessary, making healthy lifestyle changes, and seeking medical supervision and guidance.
Lab Tests in This Article
%201.svg){kind=logo}
References
Achuff, J. (2024, February 6). How to lower your patient’s triglycerides using root cause medicine. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-lower-your-patients-triglycerides-using-root-cause-medicine
Bertagna, B. (2024, January 11). The science behind meditation and sleep: How mindfulness practices improve sleep quality. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-science-behind-meditation-and-sleep-how-mindfulness-practices-improve-sleep-quality
Blake, K. (2023, April 28). What is a heart healthy diet and who should follow one? Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-a-heart-healthy-diet-and-who-should-follow-one
Christie, J. (2022, March 25). The most common causes of infertility in men and women. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-infertility
Christie, J. (2023, January 6). A functional medicine approach to obesity and weight management. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-approach-to-obesity
Christie, J. (2024, April 1). A root cause medicine protocol for PCOS. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-root-cause-medicine-protocol-for-pcos
Cleveland Clinic. (2021, December 16). Insulin resistance: What it is, causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22206-insulin-resistance
Cloyd, J. (2023a, April 10). A functional medicine hypertension protocol. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/functional-medicine-hypertension-protocol
Cloyd, J. (2023b, April 28). What is the difference between medical-grade supplements and over-the-counter supplements? Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-the-difference-between-medical-grade-supplements-and-over-the-counter-supplements
Cloyd, J. (2023c, June 19). A functional medicine post stroke protocol: Testing, therapeutic diet, and integrative therapy options. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-post-stroke-protocol-testing-supplements-and-integrative-therapy-options
Cloyd, J. (2023d, July 5). Integrative approaches to managing high blood sugar: Specialty testing, lifestyle modifications, and natural remedies. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/integrative-approaches-to-managing-high-blood-sugar-testing-lifestyle-modifications-and-natural-remedies
Cloyd, J. (2023e, July 14). A fuctional medicine vaginal yeast infection protocol: Comprehensive testing, therapeutic dietary guidance, and supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-fuctional-medicine-vaginal-yeast-infection-protocol-comprehensive-testing-therapeutic-dietary-guidance-and-supplements
Cloyd, J. (2023f, July 28). A functional medicine diarrhea protocol: Comprehensive lab testing, therapeutic diet, and supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-diarrhea-protocol-comprehensive-lab-testing-therapeutic-diet-and-supplements
Cloyd, J. (2023g, October 27). Macro and micronutrients uncovered: Understanding their role, deficiencies, and clinical relevance. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/macro-and-micronutrients-uncovered-understanding-their-role-deficiencies-and-clinical-relevance
Cloyd, J. (2023h, November 17). The gut-based approach to healing your acne. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-gut-based-approach-to-healing-your-acne
Cloyd, J. (2023i, December 27). Hormone testing 101: How to test and interpret your results. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/hormone-testing-101-how-to-test-and-interpret-your-results
Cloyd, J. (2024a, January 2). A functional medicine approach to prediabetes. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-prediabetes
Cloyd, J. (2024b, April 11). Guide to androgens: Definition, functions, and more. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/androgen-hormones
Corcoran, C., & Jacobs, T. F. (2023, August 17). Metformin. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518983/
Cox, A. (2022, September 8). 4 herbs and supplements that may help control type 1 diabetes. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-root-cause-approach-to-managing-type-1-diabetes
DeCesaris, L. (2023, January 25). How to support a healthy menstrual cycle. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-support-a-healthy-menstrual-cycle
Diorio, B. (2023, January 17). Why most functional medicine practitioners say no to alcohol. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/why-most-functional-medicine-practitioners-say-no-to-alcohol
Henry, E. (2021, September 29). Are your patients insulin resistant? 4 ways to test. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/insulin-resistance-testing
Herman, R., Kravos, N. A., Jensterle, M., Janež, A., & Dolžan, V. (2022). Metformin and insulin resistance: A review of the underlying mechanisms behind changes in glut4-mediated glucose transport. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(3), 1264. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23031264
Khakham, C. (2023a, March 28). An integrative medicine approach to kidney disease. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-medicine-approach-to-kidney-disease
Khakham, C. (2023b, April 6). Understanding your risk of cardiovascular disease with functional medicine labs. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/understanding-your-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease-with-functional-medicine-labs
Khakham, C. (2023c, June 30). Personalizing skin health: Leveraging functional medicine labs to tailor dietary interventions and supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/using-dietary-interventions-and-supplements-to-support-healthy-skin
LoBisco, S. (2022, September 12). 4 specialty labs you can request during pregnancy to optimize your health. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/4-specialty-labs-you-can-request-during-pregnancy-to-optimize-your-health
Magerman, R. (2024, April 8). Luteinizing hormone - here’s all you need to know. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/luteinizing-hormone-all-you-need-to-know
Maholy, N. (2023, May 23). A functional medicine treatment protocol for metabolic syndrome: Testing, nutrition, and supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-treatment-protocol-for-metabolic-syndrome-testing-nutrition-and-supplements
Mayo Clinic. (2022a). Metformin (oral route) proper use - mayo clinic. Www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/metformin-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20067074
Mayo Clinic. (2022b). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
Mayo Clinic. (2022c, September 8). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - diagnosis and treatment - mayo clinic. Mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443
Metformin tablets. (2024). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20966-metformin-tablets
Neibling, K. (2023, February 27). Integrative medicine treatment for headaches. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/integrative-medicine-treatment-for-headaches
Orbeta, R. (2022, June 6). 10 type 2 diabetes risk factors you may not know about. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-causes-type-2-diabetes
Preston, J. (2023, September 13). A functional medicine protocol for fatigue: Lab testing, nutrition, and helpful supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-protocol-for-fatigue-lab-testing-nutrition-and-helpful-supplements
Stanford, J. (2024a, March 19). Exploring the link between insulin resistance and obesity. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/insulin-resistance-obesity
Stanford, J. (2024b, March 21). Insulin resistance and inflammation: Understanding the connection. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/insulin-resistance-and-inflammation-understanding-the-connection
Sweetnich, J. (2023a, April 5). Top 5 labs for patients experiencing hair loss. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/top-5-labs-for-patients-experiencing-hair-loss
Sweetnich, J. (2023b, April 25). Complementary and integrative medicine approaches to type 2 diabetes management. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/complementary-and-integrative-medicine-approaches-to-type-2-diabetes-management
Sweetnich, J. (2023c, April 26). Unlocking the benefits of vitamin B12: The importance of maintaining optimal levels. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/vitamin-b12-101
Sweetnich, J. (2023d, May 8). Understanding the importance of folate testing and proper supplementation for optimal health. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/understanding-the-importance-of-folate-testing-and-proper-supplementation-for-optimal-health
Sweetnich, J. (2023e, May 24). Overview of the pancreas: Top conditions, specialty testing, and integrative medicine treatment options. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/pancrease-101-with-testing-top-conditions
Weinberg, J. (2023a, February 21). 5 lab test to run on your hypoglycemia patients. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/5-lab-test-for-your-hypoglycemia-patients
Weinberg, J. (2023b, October 10). An integrative medicine approach to skin tags. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-medicine-approach-to-skin-tags
Weinberg, J. (2024a, January 11). Enhancing sleep quality during shorter days: Insights from functional medicine. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/enhancing-sleep-quality-during-shorter-days-insights-from-functional-medicine
Weinberg, J. (2024b, February 13). Allergic skin reactions: A functional medicine approach to identifying and treating root causes. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/allergic-skin-reactions-a-functional-medicine-approach-to-identifying-and-treating-root-causes
Yoshimura, H. (2023a, August 21). A root cause medicine approach to gestational diabetes. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-root-cause-medicine-approach-to-gestational-diabetes
Yoshimura, H. (2023b, October 23). How to support your liver health with nutritional interventions in functional medicine. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/nutritional-interventions-in-functional-medicine-for-liver-support
Yoshimura, H. (2023c, November 7). The remarkable power of exercise on our health: A comprehensive overview. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-remarkable-power-of-exercise-on-our-health-a-comprehensive-overview
Yoshimura, H. (2023d, November 13). Sweat it out: The powerful connection between exercise and insulin sensitivity. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/sweat-it-out-the-powerful-connection-between-exercise-and-insulin-sensitivity
Yoshimura, H. (2023e, December 20). Functional medicine for mental clarity: Combating brain fog naturally. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/functional-medicine-for-mental-clarity-combating-brain-fog-naturally
