What is Metformin 1000 mg?

Metformin 1000 mg is a medicine used to treat Type 2 Diabetes.
It helps lower high blood sugar and keeps sugar levels stable throughout the day.

It is often taken alone or with other diabetes medicines.

How does it work?

Metformin works in three ways:

1. Reduces sugar made by the liver
   Your liver makes extra sugar. Metformin slows this down.
2. Helps your body use insulin better
   It improves insulin sensitivity, so your cells can use sugar effectively.
3. Slows sugar absorption from food
   This keeps blood sugar levels steady after meals.

Metformin does NOT cause weight gain, and it does NOT usually cause low blood sugar by itself.

Why do doctors prescribe Metformin 1000 mg?

Doctors give this dose when:

• Blood sugar is high and needs strong control.
• Lower doses (500 mg or 850 mg) were not enough.
• To reduce long-term diabetes complications like:
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney problems
  • Nerve damage
  • Eye problems

This 1000 mg dose is often taken once or twice a day, depending on your prescription.

How to take it

• Usually once or twice daily, with meals.
• Many people take:
  • 1000 mg with breakfast, OR
  • 500 mg + 500 mg (morning + evening), OR
  • 1000 mg with dinner (if extended-release form)

Take it with food to reduce stomach problems.

Common side effects

Mostly mild and improve with time:

• Stomach upset
• Gas
• Nausea
• Loose stools
• Metallic taste
• Bloating

These side effects usually reduce after 1–2 weeks.

Serious but rare side effect

Lactic acidosis (very rare but serious)

Symptoms:

• Severe weakness
• Muscle pain
• Fast breathing
• Feeling very tired
• Cold or dizzy

Seek medical help immediately if these occur.

Who should avoid Metformin?

• People with severe kidney problems
• Severe liver disease
• Alcohol addiction
• People with frequent vomiting or dehydration
• People undergoing CT scan with contrast dye (may need to stop temporarily)

What to monitor

• Fasting & post-meal blood sugar
• HbA1c every 3 months
• Kidney function tests
• Symptoms of stomach upset

Important precautions

• Always take with food.
• Avoid too much alcohol.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Do not stop the medicine without your doctor’s advice.
• Tell your doctor before surgery or CT scan.