What are the long-term health risks of taking metformin?
Nov 11, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, long-term use of metformin may lead to a series of potential adverse effects on the body, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, risk of hypoglycemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, lactic acidosis, and liver or kidney function damage. A detailed analysis is as follows: Patients should strictly follow medical instructions when taking metformin, regularly monitor blood glucose levels and liver and kidney function indicators, and pay attention to any physical reactions.
Generally, long-term use of metformin may lead to a series of potential adverse effects on the body, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, hypoglycemic risk, vitamin B12 deficiency, lactic acidosis, and liver or kidney dysfunction. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Metformin may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and indigestion. These gastrointestinal symptoms may persist in some patients and affect their quality of life.
2. Hypoglycemic risk: Metformin helps lower blood glucose levels. However, excessive dosage or failure to adjust dietary intake timely may lead to excessively low blood sugar levels, causing hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, cold sweats, and in severe cases, it may even lead to loss of consciousness or coma.
3. Vitamin B12 deficiency: Long-term use of metformin may interfere with intestinal absorption of vitamin B12, leading to vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is essential for normal nervous system function, and deficiency may cause neurological abnormalities such as fatigue, numbness, and pain in the lower limbs. Severe deficiency can also lead to megaloblastic anemia.
4. Lactic acidosis: Prolonged use of metformin may cause drug accumulation in the body, especially in patients with impaired kidney function. This accumulation may trigger metabolic disturbances, leading to lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a serious complication that may present with symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and altered mental status, and it carries a high mortality risk.
5. Liver and kidney dysfunction: Long-term and high-dose use of metformin may increase the metabolic burden on the liver and kidneys, leading to impaired liver or kidney function. Liver and kidney damage may manifest as abnormal indicators such as elevated transaminases and increased creatinine levels, and in severe cases, it may compromise the patient's overall health.
Patients taking metformin should strictly follow medical instructions, regularly monitor blood glucose levels and liver and kidney function indicators, and pay attention to any bodily reactions. If adverse symptoms occur, medication should be stopped immediately, and medical evaluation should be sought.
