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Biguanides (better known as metformin) are a type of oral diabetes medication that helps lower blood sugar levels for people with Type 2 diabetes. Healthcare providers prescribe this medication for other conditions, as well, like PCOS and gestational diabetes.
Biguanides are a type of oral diabetes medication. They help manage diabetes — mainly Type 2 diabetes — by lowering blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Healthcare providers prescribe them for other conditions, as well.
Yes, metformin is the only biguanide available in most countries. Its brand names include:
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved metformin (the only biguanide) in 1994 for the management of Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Since then, metformin has become the most widely prescribed oral diabetes medication and first-line therapy for T2D.
Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe biguanides for other conditions. This is an off-label, or non-FDA-approved, use of the medication. Non-FDA-approved uses of metformin include:
Researchers are also studying biguanides for their anticancer effects. Studies show that people taking metformin for diabetes have a significant reduction in their risk of cancer.
Biguanides (metformin) are a very common medication. In 2020, there were approximately 92 million prescriptions for metformin in the U.S.
Biguanides lower blood glucose (sugar) levels by decreasing the amount of glucose your liver produces and releases into your bloodstream. They also help lower blood glucose levels by making your skeletal muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin so it can absorb glucose for energy. This increases insulin sensitivity and reduces insulin resistance. These bodily changes help manage diabetes.
In PCOS, biguanides decreases insulin levels, which then decrease luteinizing hormone and androgen levels. This helps regulate your menstrual cycle (period).
Diabetes is typically a chronic condition (except for gestational diabetes), so you’ll likely take metformin long-term. It’s important to remember that diabetes management involves several strategies, including regular exercise and meal planning. While metformin is effective, it alone can’t treat diabetes.
Your healthcare provider will be able to give you more information about how long you’ll take metformin and other strategies to best manage diabetes.
Biguanides are effective. For people with Type 2 diabetes, biguanides (metformin) can decrease their A1C levels by about 1%.
Studies show that biguanides are also effective in preventing or delaying the development of Type 2 diabetes in people at high risk. A study demonstrated that intensive lifestyle intervention and metformin therapy reduced progression from prediabetes to diabetes by 58% and 31%, respectively.
Studies also show that metformin may decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Common side effects of biguanides (metformin) include diarrhea and nausea and vomiting. They affect up to 30% of people taking the medication.
Less common side effects include:
Biguanides (metformin) are generally safe, but taking them may result in certain complications, including:
Long-term use of metformin may cause your vitamin B12 levels to decrease. Your healthcare provider will likely monitor your levels while you take the medication, especially if you have anemia or peripheral neuropathy. Your provider may recommend a vitamin B12 supplement.
Metformin has a black box warning for lactic acidosis. This is a rare, potentially life-threatening complication. It affects every 1 in 30,000 people taking metformin. Your provider will be monitoring your kidney function levels while you take the medication. They’ll tell you to stop taking it if there’s any noted change in your kidney function.
Lactic acidosis happens when lactic acid builds up in your body, which leads to metabolic acidosis. Risk factors for lactic acidosis include:
Symptoms of lactic acidosis and metabolic acidosis include:
If you have these symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency services number) or go to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible.
While this complication is rare, if lactic acidosis isn’t treated in time, it can lead to death.
Taking metformin with other medications can lead to complications. Before starting any new medication, make sure you tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements.
Taking certain medications while also taking biguanides may increase your risk of developing lactic acidosis. They include (but aren’t limited to):
Taking certain medications in addition to biguanides can increase your risk of experiencing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). They include:
You should have regular appointments with your healthcare provider when you’re taking a biguanide to assess how well it’s working.
Otherwise, talk to your healthcare provider in the following situations:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Biguanides (metformin) are a well-studied class of oral diabetes medication. They’re proven to be generally safe and effective at managing Type 2 diabetes and other conditions. If you have any questions about taking metformin, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. They’re available to help you.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/22/2023.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy