Metformin primarily works by reducing hepatic glucose production. This means it decreases the amount of glucose your liver releases into your bloodstream.
- It achieves this by inhibiting gluconeogenesis, the process of creating new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. It also enhances insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, like muscle and fat.
This improved insulin sensitivity allows your body to utilize glucose more effectively, lowering blood glucose levels.
Furthermore, metformin influences intestinal glucose absorption. It slightly decreases the amount of glucose absorbed from food in the gut.
This action contributes to the overall reduction in post-meal blood sugar spikes. The exact mechanism behind this intestinal effect is still being researched, but it’s a contributing factor to metformin’s efficacy.
In summary, metformin’s multi-pronged approach targets glucose production, utilization, and absorption, leading to improved blood glucose control. The extended-release formulation provides a slower, more sustained release of the medication, minimizing side effects and improving adherence.
