What can I take instead of metformin?

Alternative options
  • Prandin (repaglinide) ...
  • Canagliflozin (Invokana) ...
  • Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) ...
  • Empagliflozin (Jardiance) ...
  • Actos (pioglitazone) ...
  • Herbal options.


Is there a good substitute for metformin?

Precose, Januvia, Victoza, Glucotrol XL, and Actos are some metformin alternatives.

What is the best natural alternative to metformin?

Studies show that taking berberine can lower blood sugar levels to a similar extent as the popular diabetes drug metformin ( 4 ). In a study in 116 people with type 2 diabetes, the substance reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 20% and HbA1c (a marker for long-term blood sugar levels) by 12% ( 5 ).


Is there a better drug for type 2 diabetes than metformin?

Insulin remains the most effective therapy to lower glucose, particularly in comparison to most oral medicines for type 2 (including metformin).

How can I lower my blood sugar without metformin?

14 Easy Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels Naturally
  1. Exercise regularly. ...
  2. Manage your carb intake. ...
  3. Eat more fiber. ...
  4. Drink water and stay hydrated. ...
  5. Implement portion control. ...
  6. Choose foods with a low glycemic index. ...
  7. Try to manage your stress levels. ...
  8. Monitor your blood sugar levels.


Metformin Alternatives: You Can Take WITH or WITHOUT Metformin!



What drinks bring blood sugar down?

7 Drinks That Keep Blood Sugar Low
  • Water. You can never go wrong with drinking water — it does make up about 60 percent of the human body. ...
  • Unsweetened tea. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Plant-based milk. ...
  • Whole-fruit smoothies. ...
  • Flavored carbonated water. ...
  • Any low-sugar beverages.


Does lemon water reduce blood sugar?

Lemon juice significantly lowered the mean blood glucose concentration peak by 30% (p < 0.01) and delayed it more than 35 min (78 vs. 41 min with water, p < 0.0001).

What is the new pill for diabetes?

This new glucose-lowering therapy is called a "dual agonist" or a “dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist.” It's similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists – which have been shown to lower glucose levels, lead to weight loss, and lower the risk of heart disease – but Mounjaro adds a GIP receptor agonist.


How can I control my A1C without medication?

Go easy on the sweets and sugary beverages, white breads, potatoes, pastas, starchy vegetables, and other carbohydrate-rich foods as these increase your blood sugar levels. Instead, opt for foods that are high in fiber, fruits and vegetables, small servings of lean meats and poultry, and low-fat milk or cheese.

What is the number one medication for type 2 diabetes?

Metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza, others) is generally the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It works primarily by lowering glucose production in the liver and improving your body's sensitivity to insulin so that your body uses insulin more effectively.

What Herb is the same as metformin?

Metformin, class biguanide, is a synthetic derivative of French Lilac (Galega officinalis), a herbal plant traditionally employed in Europe for diabetes treatment [23].


What happens if you stop taking metformin?

Why Shouldn't You Stop Taking Metformin? Metformin works by decreasing the amount of sugar your liver releases into your blood, making your body more sensitive to insulin's effects. If you suddenly discontinue use, it can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels.

How do I get off metformin?

Your doctor will be able to help you understand the risks and benefits for you.
  1. Getting off Metformin will require making sure your blood sugar is well controlled even without the medication. ...
  2. Move your body. ...
  3. Stop smoking. ...
  4. Reduce your alcohol intake. ...
  5. Manage your stress. ...
  6. Get a good night's sleep. ...
  7. Don't skip meals.


Why would a DR not prescribe metformin?

More serious side effects are rare. They include severe allergic reactions and a condition called lactic acidosis, a buildup of lactic acid in the bloodstream. The risk for this is higher among people with significant kidney disease, so doctors tend to avoid prescribing metformin for them.


Is metformin hard on your kidneys?

Metformin doesn't cause kidney damage. The kidneys process and clear the medication out of your system through your urine. If your kidneys don't function properly, there's concern that metformin can build up in your system and cause a condition called lactic acidosis.

What is the safest drug for type 2 diabetes?

Official answer. Most experts consider metformin to be the safest medicine for type 2 diabetes because it has been used for many decades, is effective, affordable, and safe. Metformin is recommended as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

What reduces A1C quickly?

Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to lower your A1C level. Exercise is one of the best ways to lower blood sugar. A single session of exercise can lower blood sugar for 24 hours or more. Get in the gym consistently, and your A1C level will drop as well.


What Foods Lower A1C quickly?

The 17 Best Foods to Lower (or Regulate) Your Blood Sugar
  • Broccoli and broccoli sprouts. Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate that has blood-sugar-reducing properties. ...
  • Seafood. ...
  • Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds. ...
  • Nuts and nut butter. ...
  • Okra. ...
  • Flax seeds. ...
  • Beans and lentils. ...
  • Kimchi and sauerkraut.


What vitamins help lower A1C?

Vitamin D

After two months of taking a 4,500-IU supplement of vitamin D daily, both fasting blood sugar and A1C improved. In fact, 48% of participants had an A1C that showed good blood sugar control, compared to only 32% before the study ( 20 ).

Is metformin the only pill for diabetes?

Metformin is also available in combination with other medications that lower blood sugar, like Jentadueto (linagliptin/metformin) and Invokamet (canagliflozin/metformin). Besides diabetes, metformin is used for a number of other health conditions.


What is the new weight loss drug for diabetes?

Ozempic, or semaglutide, is liraglutide's more potent cousin. Instead of a daily injection, semaglutide is given once a week. The FDA approved it for the management of diabetes in 2017 under the brand name Ozempic and for weight loss as Wegovy in 2021.

Is there a pill to lower blood sugar?

Metformin (Glucophage) is a biguanide. Biguanides lower blood glucose levels primarily by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Metformin also helps to lower blood glucose levels by making muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin so glucose can be absorbed. It is usually taken two times a day.

Can cinnamon lower blood sugar?

Despite numerous studies, it still isn't clear whether cinnamon helps lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Some studies have shown a benefit from the spice. Others haven't. Previous studies have included different doses and different types of cinnamon, which makes it hard to compare the results.


Is Banana good for diabetes?

For most people with diabetes, fruits — including bananas — are a healthy choice. However, some people who are following low carb diets need to watch their total carbohydrate intake to stay within their daily carb allotment. This means foods higher in carbs, including bananas, have to be limited on low carb diets.

Which fruit is best for diabetes?

The Best Fruits for People With Diabetes
  • berries — Both citrus and berries are recommended as superfoods by the American Diabetes Association.
  • cherries.
  • plums.
  • grapefruit.
  • peaches.
  • apples — High fiber fruits like apples and pears help to slow a spike in blood sugar, Rose says.
  • pears.
  • kiwi.
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