Metformin's multiple effects benefit individuals with a propensity to develop diabetes, cardiovascular problems, endocrine problems, retinopathies, nephropathies, cancer or decreased immunity, infections and weigh gain.
As with diabetes, metformin has been shown to cause a reduction in appetite, weight, and the body's total fat content.
In associated heart disease conditions, there is plaque build-up that lines the arteries. This build-up of plaque can lead to atherosclerosis.
Metformin reduces or lowers the chances of developing atherosclerosis and reduces the rate of pro-ageing cross linkages of collagen, which plays a role in the scar tissue build-up that occurs during wound healing.
Metformin has been shown to reduce the amount of supplemental insulin needed by type II diabetics who become insulin-dependent.
They are able to take a lower insulin dose in conjunction with metformin without the risk of becoming hypoglycaemic.
For 40 years metformin has been used to control blood glucose levels in patients with type II diabetes.
Physicians are recommending it to patients who are predisposed to diabetes for the prevention of developing the disease.
With the cluster of cardiovascular problems associated with hyperinsulinemia, metformin has proven effective in lowering total cholesterol, low density lipids, free fatty acids, and tissue plasminogen activator antigen and insulin levels when patients present with symptoms of hypertension dyslipidaemia, visceral obesity or hyperglycaemia.
Metformin prevents the acceleration of atherosclerosis and reduces the rate of pro-ageing cross linking of collagen.
The microvascular complications of hyperinsulinemia are improved by metformin due to the arterial clearance in small blood vessels of the eyes, kidneys and nerves.
There are other positive effects associated with metformin:
Decreased tumour growth and improved cellular immunity in individuals who are prone to chronic infections associated high blood sugar levels.
In non-diabetics, metformin reduced low density lipid, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, tissue plasminogen activator antigen, blood pressure and fasting triglyceride levels.
Women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome have been treated with metformin. Benefits include:
Lipid lowering effects, reduction in systolic blood pressure, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance syndrome.
Metformin has also been shown to aid in normal menstrual regulation and pregnancy.