How Much Does Metformin Lower A1C?
Healthful Vitality | 12/05/2022 | How Much Does Metformin Lower A1C?
Metformin is one of the most used drugs to treat type 2 diabetes, as it is safe and effective. It is good for lowering blood glucose and body weight and reducing diabetes-related mortality. There are so many benefits of metformin that it has become a first-line treatment for the condition.
Why metformin is so popular?
One of the reasons why metformin is so popular is the way it works. It not only lowers blood glucose but also reduces insulin resistance. In addition, new studies show that it can also slow down glucose absorption from the intestines, prevent glucose production in the liver, and more.
It almost looks like a perfect drug to treat diabetes. It is pretty safe and suitable for prolonged use. On prolonged use, one can also expect to lose body weight. That is why treating obesity is one of its off-label uses.
But, perhaps the biggest reason for using metformin is that it increases the lifespan of those living with diabetes. It is among the most effective drugs for treating diabetes and increasing lifespan. Moreover, its effectiveness is proven by sound evidence and years of research.
One of the most extensive trials of 5102 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients with a follow-up period of 10 years found it a highly useful drug, as one can imagine that ten years is quite a long time. In the study, researchers found that metformin reduced the risk of myocardial infarction by 33% and death due to any cause by 27%.
Yes, these benefits are massive and unbelievable. Since it can reduce the risk of mortality, it is understood to be quite effective at lowering blood sugar. However, it is loved even more due to its long-term safety and ability to normalize metabolic rate in those living with diabetes.
It works both in the short term and long term. When people start using metformin, they immediately experience a quick decline in blood sugar levels. Not only that, but most obese people will also lose a few kilograms of body weight after metformin therapy.
So, how much does metformin lower A1C?
There are hundreds of clinical studies to confirm the significant benefit of metformin in those living with diabetes. Studies show that after taking medicine, on average, metformin reduces the production of glucose by the liver by as much as 24%, and it can lower fasting plasma glucose concentration by a massive 30%.
Of course, these are good results. Since for most people living with diabetes, even 7% A1C would be regarded as good, and it means that those living with 10% A1C can expect their A1C to drop to 7% in three to four months.
Of course, there are massive individual differences in response to the drug. Here 30% is the average reduction, but in practice, it means a 15% to 40% reduction in A1C in most people. Some people respond better, others worse to the drug.
It means that most people living with mild to moderate diabetes can expect many benefits. For many people, using metformin along with dietary measures and exercise would be enough to control blood sugar levels completely.
Related Article: How to Lose Weight Fast on Metformin?