Metformin

Treating Your Diabetes

Metformin and Diabetes in Kenya: What You Need to Know

Metformin is a commonly prescribed medication for managing diabetes. In Kenya, where diabetes is a growing concern, understanding how metformin works and who can take it is crucial for people living with Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and other types. Metformin has proven effective in helping control blood sugar levels and reducing the risks of diabetes-related complications.

What is Metformin?
Metformin is primarily used to manage Type 2 diabetes, although it can also be prescribed for those with gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) and even as a complementary treatment for Type 1 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called biguanides, and in Kenya, it’s available under various brand names such as Glucophage.

Despite the availability of various medications in Kenya, metformin remains one of the most affordable and effective drugs for managing diabetes, helping those diagnosed maintain a healthy blood sugar balance.

How Does Metformin Work?

Metformin works in two key ways:

It reduces the amount of sugar your liver releases into the blood.

Type 2 Diabetes

It improves your body’s insulin sensitivity, making the insulin you produce work more effectively.

Other types of diabetes

In a country like Kenya, where access to insulin can sometimes be limited, metformin plays a vital role in diabetes management, especially for individuals whose bodies cannot efficiently use the insulin they produce.

Who Can Take Metformin?

Adults and children over 10 years old with Type 2 diabetes.
Pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
People with insulin resistance, where their insulin does not work as it should.

Who Should Avoid Metformin?

While metformin is widely used, it’s not suitable for everyone:

If you have severe kidney or liver disease, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative treatment.
If you develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition requiring urgent medical care, you’ll need to stop metformin temporarily.
Metformin may also be temporarily discontinued before surgical procedures.

Always consult your healthcare team to determine if metformin is safe for you. In Kenya, pharmacies and healthcare facilities offer guidance on its appropriate use.

Different Types of Metformin

In Kenya, metformin is available in different formulations:

Standard-release tablets

Taken more frequently but absorbed quickly.

Slow-release tablets

Taken once a day and released more slowly into the body, often causing fewer side effects.

For those who cannot swallow tablets, metformin is also available in liquid form. Consult your healthcare provider for the best option for you.

How to Take Metformin

Whether taking it as a tablet or liquid, it’s crucial to take metformin with food to minimize side effects. Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to allow your body to adjust and reduce potential side effects like nausea or diarrhea.

In Kenya, pharmacies offer various brands of metformin, but all should be taken following your doctor’s instructions. Be sure to check the Patient Information Leaflet in the medication box for any specific instructions.

Managing Side Effects of Metformin

Common side effects include:

Stomach upset (nausea or diarrhea)
Loss of appetite
Metallic taste in the mouth

Most of these effects subside within a few weeks as your body adjusts. If the symptoms persist, contact your healthcare provider. In Kenya, many people find switching to slow-release tablets helps minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.

Can You Stop Taking Metformin?

Some people may be able to stop taking metformin if they achieve Type 2 diabetes remission through lifestyle changes like improved diet and increased physical activity. However, always consult your healthcare team before discontinuing any medication.

Metformin and Weight Loss

While metformin is not officially approved for weight loss, some people in Kenya who take it notice they lose weight. This effect is often linked to better blood sugar control and lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet and increased exercise.

Metformin for Other Conditions

Metformin isn’t just used for diabetes. In Kenya, women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may be prescribed metformin to help regulate their menstrual cycles and improve fertility. It is also used in some cases to treat gestational diabetes, reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Emotional Support for Diabetes in Kenya

Living with diabetes, especially while managing medications like metformin, can take an emotional toll. In Kenya, support groups for people with diabetes are available through various hospitals, clinics, and community programs. Talking to others who share similar experiences can be a great way to manage the emotional stress that can come with living with a chronic condition.