Taking Metformin? Watch Out For These 10 Side Effects [439761]
Valerie Sciacca
Post Time: 2025-09-01
Understanding Low Blood Sugar: Recognizing the Warning Signs
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, is a condition where your body's glucose levels drop below what's considered normal. This can be caused by various factors such as skipping meals, taking too much diabetes medication, or engaging in strenuous exercise without proper fueling.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
It's essential to recognize the early warning signs of low blood sugar to take corrective action promptly. Here are 20 potential symptoms:
Shakiness and tremors
Sweating and clamminess
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Fatigue or weakness
Irritability and mood swings
Confusion, disorientation, or difficulty concentrating
Physical Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
When your blood sugar levels drop below 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), you may experience physical symptoms such as shakiness, tremors, and dizziness. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and even impair daily activities.
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Coolness in the hands and feet
Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
Emotional Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar can also affect your emotional state, leading to feelings of anxiety, nervousness, or panic attacks.
Irritability and short temper
Mood swings or depression
Confusion and difficulty thinking clearly
Anxiety or stress
Managing Hypoglycemia: Treatment Options
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to take action quickly to restore your blood sugar levels to normal.
Consume a fast-acting carbohydrate source (e.g., fruit juice)
Check your blood glucose level
Administer glucagon or injectable medication if necessary
Preventing Low Blood Sugar: Lifestyle Changes
To avoid low blood sugar episodes, consider the following lifestyle adjustments:
Monitor and control blood sugar levels regularly
Eat a balanced diet with regular meals to maintain stable energy levels
Top 10 Common Side Effects of Metformin (And How to Handle Them)
If you're taking metformin for type 2 diabetes, you're not alone — it’s one of the most prescribed medications worldwide. While it’s incredibly effective at lowering blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity, metformin can come with a few side effects, especially when you're just starting out.
Wondering what to expect? Here are the 10 most common side effects of metformin, plus tips to manage them like a pro.
1. Nausea
Feeling queasy after taking metformin? You’re not alone. Nausea is super common, especially when starting treatment.
👉 Quick Fix: Always take it with food, and start with a low dose.
2. Diarrhea
Metformin can speed up digestion, sometimes a little too much.
💡 Pro labs for blood sugar Tip: Ask your doctor about switching to extended-release metformin (XR) if diarrhea doesn’t ease up.
3. Stomach Cramps & Bloating
That gassy, crampy feeling? Totally normal at first.
🍽️ Fix it fast: Avoid greasy or spicy foods and eat smaller meals.
4. Metallic Taste
A weird, bitter taste in your mouth after taking metformin? Yep, it’s a thing.
😬 Solution: Stay hydrated, chew sugar-free gum, or suck on mints.
5. Loss of Appetite
Metformin can help reduce appetite — sometimes too well.
📉 What to watch for: If you’re losing too much weight or skipping meals often, talk to your doctor.
6. Vitamin B12 Deficiency (Long-Term)
Over time, metformin can lower your B12 levels — which can cause fatigue, nerve issues, and memory problems.
🧪 Simple solution: Get regular blood abnormal blood sugar ranges tests and supplement if needed.
7. Headaches
New to metformin and feeling a little headachy?
💧 Try this: Stay hydrated, eat regularly, and monitor your blood sugar.
8. Fatigue or Weakness
Low energy on metformin? Could be due to B12 deficiency, low blood sugar, or digestive issues.
💬 Check in: If it lasts more than a few days, ask your doctor to run some tests.
9. Lactic Acidosis (Rare but Serious)
This is very rare — but serious. Know the warning signs: deep breathing, muscle pain, confusion, and extreme fatigue.
🚨 Act fast: Seek emergency help if you notice these symptoms, especially if you have kidney issues or drink heavily.
10. Low Blood Sugar (When Combined with Other Meds)
Metformin alone usually won’t drop your blood sugar too low — but when combined with insulin or other diabetes meds, it can.
🍬 Keep safe: Monitor blood sugar and carry a quick source of glucose just in case.
When to Call Your Doctor
Don’t tough it out — contact your provider if you experience:
Persistent nausea, diarrhea, or fatigue
Tingling in hands or feet
Memory issues
Symptoms of lactic acidosis
How to Make Metformin Easier on Your Body
✔️ Take it with food
✔️ Start low, go slow
✔️ Try extended-release if needed
✔️ Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol
✔️ Monitor B12 levels
Final Thoughts
Metformin is a game-changer in managing type 2 diabetes — and most side effects are temporary and manageable. The key? Know what to expect, listen to your body, and stay in touch with your healthcare provider.
Have you had side effects on metformin? Drop a comment below and share your tips — someone else might really benefit from your experience!
Medical disclaimer: Medinaz Academy does not provide medical advice. The content available in our books and videos, on our website, or on our social media handles do not provide a diagnosis or other recommendation for treatment and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosis and treatment of any person or animal. We intend to provide educational information only. The determination of the need for medical services and the types of healthcare to be provided to a patient are decisions that should does drinking hot water reduce blood sugar be made only by a physician or other licensed health care provider. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition.
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Taking Metformin? Watch Out For These 10 Side Effects [439761]
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