Skin Clean

                              Skin Clean   With all the emphasis on clean radiant skin, it’s a bit confusing trying to figure out which... 18:51

                             Skin Clean

 With all the emphasis on clean radiant skin, it’s a bit confusing trying to figure out which skin cleansing devices do what and which one is the best. The four devices listed below will give you an overview of their special features and prices. Clarisonic was the pioneer in skin devices but that doesn’t mean it’s the only device out there. First and foremost, choose one that fits your budget. We tend to like the ones that pulse and vibrate best because there is less chance of irritation to the skin versus using a ‘brush’ head on the face.

CLARISONIC: Clarisonic offers a wide range of gentle facial cleansing and exfoliating body brush heads for even the most sensitive skin. You can customize the perfect combination of sonic cleansing device, brush head and cleanser for any skin type. In just 60 seconds you’ll experience soft, radiant skin that’s six times cleaner than skin washed with hands alone. $99.00 to $199.00. Brush heads should be replaced every 3 months.

PHILOSOPHY ONE-TOUCH FACIALIST: A multi-level silicone brush cleanser and massage device (non-abrasive/10,000 vibrations per minute). Produces instantly brighter and refreshed skin. The only device that self-dispenses the facial cleanser directly you’re your skin. The ultimate combination of deep cleansing, texture refinement and massage. The silicone ‘brush’ can be replaced (optional) every 6 months. $79.00.

CLINIQUE SONIC SYSTEM PURIFYING CLEANSING BRUSH: Innovative sonic facial cleansing brush offers deep yet gentle cleansing. It has an angled tip that targets the T-Zone and other hard to reach areas. Brush heads should be replaced every 3 months. $89.50.

FOREO LUNA: Uses sonic pulses (non-abrasive) with tool to cleanse skin and features thousands of pulsations per minute for a deeper and gentler cleaning process. It has a 3-zone silicone cleansing brush that does not need to be replaced. $139.00 to $199.00.                                                                    

Natural Beauty

                                Natural Beauty   7 Natural Beauty Essentials Discover these natural beauty essentials for healt... 05:20

                               Natural Beauty

 

7 Natural Beauty Essentials

Discover these natural beauty essentials for healthy, glowing skin. Although witch hazel and apple cider vinegar may sound old-fashioned, these basic skin care products are not only good for you, they're easy on your pocketbook too.

Usually, different products suit different skin types, ages, and concerns. But there are some simple products that have stood the test of time and work for just about everyone. Plus, they can be used in myriad ways. These truly amazing natural beauty essentials will not let you down.

Sweet almond oil

Made by pressing almond kernels, sweet almond oil is used widely as an ingredient in cosmetics, but can also be used topically on its own. Note that sweet almond oil is not the same as the almond oil used in cooking.

Benefits

Sweet almond oil is a light skin moisturizer that absorbs easily and promotes skin health. It’s also suitable for blemish-prone skin because it will not clog pores.

How to use it

Use as a light moisturizer

Massage into facial skin or body any time you’d like a light, nourishing boost of moisture.

Give your nails some shine

Doing an at-home manicure or pedicure? Skip the polish, and instead give your nails some natural shine by working sweet almond oil into your nails and cuticles after filing and buffing.

Make DIY hair oil

To restore desperately needed wintertime moisture to hair, work a few drops between your hands and gently smooth over your hair.

Coconut oil

Unlike sweet almond oil, coconut oil used for skin is the same oil that’s used for cooking. It’s made from the fruit of coconut trees—coconuts, of course.

Benefits

Coconut oil is a world-class moisturizing agent that helps nourish dry skin.

How to use it

Use as a body moisturizer

While some people find coconut oil too rich for the face, it is an ideal body moisturizer. Massage it into parched winter skin, such as legs after shaving or dry elbows.

Give feet some overnight love

Massage coconut oil into your feet before bed, and then cover with socks. Wake up to soft, smooth feet.

Remove makeup

Use coconut oil as a natural, inexpensive makeup remover.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil is extracted from the lavender flower. Like any essential oil, it is potent and not for everyone. Essential oils should always be diluted with water or a carrier oil—check the bottle’s specific instructions to determine exact dosages. Furthermore, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children, should check with a health care practitioner before using essential oils.

Benefits

Many of us know lavender as the dried, fragrant purple flower used in sachets and potpourri. It’s time to give this hardworking flower more credit! Lavender essential oil has antiseptic properties that may help fight acne, and its scent is thought to promote relaxation.

How to use it

Have a bath

Make a calming bath by mixing a few drops with your favourite carrier oil and adding to warm bathwater. For a foot bath, reduce the amount of each.

Make a moisturizer

Mix a few drops into sweet almond oil for a subtly scented moisturizer or massage oil.

Try a DIY steam treatment

For a relaxing at-home facial, add 2 to 4 drops to 3 cups (750 mL) hot water and inhale (but be careful not to burn yourself).

Create a soothing skin spray

Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and mist on your face. Feel free to add other essential oils as well.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is apple juice that has been fermented. Not only is it delicious and healthy in recipes, but this vinegar is also being recognized for its potential beauty benefits.

Benefits

Many people swear by using apple cider vinegar in their hair. It’s said that its acidity helps balance hair’s pH after shampooing and leaves each strand shiny and smooth. It also has antifungal properties.

How to use it

Use as a daily conditioner

Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and rinse into hair after shampooing.

Use as an occasional “shine rinse”

Mix 1/4 cup (60 mL) vinegar with 16 cups (4 L) water. Every two weeks, apply to hair after washing, and then rinse with cool water. (This recipe has a shelf life of six months.)

Try as a foot bath

Dilute 1 cup (250 mL) vinegar with 4 cups (1 L) water. Apple cider vinegar is thought to help neutralize bacteria on feet, deodorizing them, and it might also help combat fungal infections.

Witch hazel

This strange-sounding product is really just a shrublike plant. Boiling the plant in water results in what we call witch hazel. It should be used topically.

Benefits

Witch hazel has anti-acne and astringent properties but is also soothing on the skin—a rarity for blemish-fighting products. It also has antioxidant properties and is thought to help protect skin from photoaging—meaning it’s not just for the blemish prone.

How to use it

Use as a toner

Between cleansing and moisturizing, apply witch hazel on a cotton pad to remove traces of makeup and refresh the skin.

Apply to skin as a spot treatment

Apply it to minor skin irritation or injury.

Help soothe diaper rash

Witch hazel has been shown to help with skin irritations and diaper rashes.

Clay powder

Clay powders for the skin are extracted from all over the world—from volcanic ash in North America to ancient sea floors in Europe. There are many types, and each is said to be beneficial for a particular skin type or concern, such as green clay for oily skin or white clay for dry and sensitive skin.

Benefits

Clay proponents claim that the minerals and trace elements in clay benefit our complexions, while drawing out impurities. Although human studies are lacking, it has been suggested that clay, applied topically, might increase skin’s collagen synthesis—meaning that it could improve the health and appearance of skin.

How to use it

Make a face mask

Following the directions on the package, mix clay powder with a small amount of water to form a paste that can be applied as a facial mask.

Make a wrap or poultice

Clay can also be used in a similar way to create body wraps or poultices on specific areas. Every product is slightly different, so follow the specific directions on the package.

Deodorize feet

White clay powder can be used as a natural foot deodorant.

Castile soap

Simply put, castile soap is a type of soap made from olive oil (or other plant oils) and an alkali, such as sodium hydroxide. This means that it’s free from harsh detergents, foaming agents, and chemical antibacterials (such as triclosan).

Benefits

Many people use castile soap for cleaning around the house but don’t realize that it can also be used cosmetically. It’s so gentle that it works for even the most delicate complexions, and the vegetable oils it contains can help soften and replenish skin.

How to use it

Use as an all-purpose cleanser

Castile soap is ideal as a hand soap, facial wash, body wash (even for babies!), or soap for a foot bath.

Wash hair

It can be used as shampoo, when paired with a conditioner or rinse.

Create a shaving cream

Simply lather it into skin before shaving.

---

Amazing accessories

Why should your healthy, natural skin care routine stop at the beauty products themselves? Stop by your local natural health retailer to discover eco-friendly skin care and beauty accessories. Here are a few favourites to look for.

Organic cotton balls and swabs

Grown without chemical pesticides and made without chlorine bleach, these products offer a healthier, more eco-friendly disposable option.

Hemp exfoliating cloths

Hemp’s durability makes it the ideal choice for exfoliating face cloths. Use them to help slough off dry skin cells in the winter.

Reusable cotton rounds

The most eco-friendly option available, these machine-washable rounds can be used again and again.

How to Get Healthy Skin

How to Get Healthy Skin

                                          How to Get Healthy Skin      Our skin plays many roles in our body, such as regulating our body... 21:43

                                        How to Get Healthy Skin 

  Our skin plays many roles in our body, such as regulating our body temperature and protecting our internal organs. It is common knowledge that the skin is the largest organ in the body, so it makes sense that we would want to take great care of it. Extra effort put into your daily skin care regimen can health keep your skin healthy and pampered, while reducing the aging process and improving its ability for natural healing.           

                             

   How to Get Healthy Skin - Best Skin Care Tips for a Healthy Glow

Things You'll Need

• Tissue
• Gentle cleanser
• Moisturizer
• Exfoliant
• Skin mask
• Sunscreen
• Coconut Oil

Step 1

Determine your skin type by blottingthe oiliest part of your skin with a clean, white tissue before washing your skin. If the oil is obvious on the tissue, you most likely have oily skin. Oily skin can also need treatment for acne breakouts, since acne is often caused by trapped oils and dirt. A small amount of oil indicates that you probably have normal skin. No oil at all indicates that you probably have dry skin. Many of us have combination skin, where the T-zone (forehead and nose) are oily and the cheeks are normal or dry. Watch for products that are formulated for your skin type. Healthy skin tips can be targeted at specific problem types.

Step 2

Wash your skin daily with a gentle cleanser. Avoid using soaps that are antibacterial or antimicrobial, as they can change the skin’s normal flora, which helps prevent infection. Avoid soaps and lotions that contain alcohol, as they are harsh on the skin. You may need to wash areas with creases—armpits and groin area for example—more often to maintain healthy looking skin, as these areas are more susceptible to rashes.

Step 3

Use moisturizing cream, preferably after getting out of the shower. This is the best time as it helps trap moisture in the skin.

Step 4

Exfoliate your skin on a weekly basis if you have oily skin, or every two weeks if you have dry or sensitive skin. Exfoliates help remove dead skin cells, which unclogs pores. According to Canadian Living, superfine sugar, cornmeal, ground nuts and wheat germ can be used for all skin types.

Step 5

Use a facial skin mask once a week to keep skin healthy. Masks come in a variety of scents and ingredients to choose from

Step 6

Eat a healthy, well-balanced healthy skin diet. According to Mayo Clinic, research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in fats and carbohydrates can result in younger-looking skin, but the cause of the association is still unclear. Foods for healthy skin should be eaten on a regular basis. Coconut oil has also been suggested for skin health in addition to a plethora of other health benefits.

Step 7

Use sun protection to avoid skin damage or even skin cancer. Avoid going in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as much as possible, as this is when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Protect your skin with hats, long sleeves and pants. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going into direct sunlight, and every two hours afterward. Look for sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays, preferably with the main ingredient of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzene. The FDA states these three ingredients are the only ones that give full-spectrum sun protection.

Step 8

Use organic coconut oil to melt makeup, make your own lotion and body scrubs, and add vitamins and minerals to replenish your skin. 

Skin Care and healthy figure

Skin Care and healthy figure

                                            Skin Care and healthy  figure                              How to Make the lemon is a nat... 03:39

                                           Skin Care and healthy  figure        

                

  How to Make the lemon is a natural cosmetics ?

This useful citrus and absolutely the best way for all kinds of cosmetic facial skin, body, hands, hair, nails, etc. Used to care. This time, made from lemon face and body care products offer you a recipe.

Skin Care

Mask for all skin types

Lemon, a medium-sized carrots and milled rice (1/1/1) daablenderet and mix well with each other.

The resulting mass Apply to face, leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Firming Facial Mask

2 tbsp Natural yogurt and 1 FC Stir in the lemon juice and mix well.

The resulting mass Apply to face, leave on for 30 minutes and then still warm, then cold water rinse.

Facial Cleansing Scrub

Pour the juice squeezed from half a lemon 1 FC Olive oil and mix well, then add 1 CF Honey, half ch.ch. Brown sugar and stir until sugar defrost.

The light weight of the hand motions Apply to face, leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and massage the face nourishing cream.

Kind of lotion to reduce fat

FC 1 Lemon juice and 2 tbsp Stir in cold milk together, add a little bit of cold boiled water and the fluid a day 2-3 times, kind of greasy parts (mainly the areas - forehead, nose and chin) wipe.

"Soap" Oily Skin

Any part of the fine grinding of the Grate 1/3 children's soap, pour 100 g. Boiling water and well atkvipet (kapiseburi mass before). Then slowly add the line by FC 3% hydrogen peroxide (perekisi) and Camphor alcohol, half FC Glycerin and the same amount of lemon juice and mix again. 

Kind of milk for dull skin

1 Ch. Pour the milk into the pot, add 2 tbsp Sugar powder, finely chopped half a lemon and an orange the same. All these boil, then stir gaatsivet and the gauze.

The liquid 2 times a day, use a kind of purification.

Body Care

Lemon and sugar scrub

Half-half cup. Brown sugar and sea salt to add 1 CF pkhvnilsa Coconut or olive oil, 1 FC Lemon juice, 1 FC Honey and mix well with each other.

The resulting mass Apply to body in a circular motion, rinse thoroughly with warm water 10-15 minutes later.

Lemon & Oatmeal Scrub

1 as well. Lemon daablenderet well, add 4-5 drops of essential oil, 2 tbsp Oat groats (gerkulesi), 2 tbsp Honey and mix well (or very thick mass was boiled with a little water added).

The resulting mass Apply to body in a circular motion, rinse thoroughly with warm water 15-20 minutes later.

Body Lotion

100 ml. Lemon juice into a water bath, add 100 ml. Honey, 100 ml. Almond (or any vegetable oil) and mix together well.

Apply the mass of the body, for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Lemon extract bath

2-3 as well. Lemon skin raw pour 1 l. Boiling water, leave it until it thoroughly cold (you can, poured cold water with lemon skin, only in this case the infusion of 2 days to stop), then stir in the liquid bath before making the water 'instead.

Fitness and Skin care

Fitness and Skin care

                                                            Fitness and Skin care    Why skin aging Cream and Massage Healthy Figu... 19:44

                                                            Fitness and Skin care

  

Why skin aging Cream and Massage Healthy Figures Fitness and Skin care

Beauty begins kanis.miukhedavad the fact that he was fit and healthy, we do not pay it much attention.But, as soon as it is covered with a mesh of wrinkles, a lot of people (especially women) are beginning to skin aging and how it could be a little slow is gangashi.ratom ?

Skin aging under the same laws as the rest of skheuli.tumtsa  the negative impact of external factors, and, therefore, before losing youth organoebs.gavlena the other in different ways: preventive surgery.

About the process of aging of the internal features:

- Weakened circulation in the skin;
- Metabolism slows down through the capillary walls;
- May not be of the epidermis;
- Reduced skin elasticity;
- There is a change in the secretion of sebum.

And also be easily becomes dry and vulnerable to external tsvlilebebi.kani, coarsens the skin relief, broken veins pigmentatsia.gamoikhateba network, and large ships can come above zedapirze.kanis takes mote

Tro-yellowish skin and elperit.tsvlilebebisa danamatebi.tmis thinning, nails become brittle, depormirebuli.qvela clearly visible image of old age.
Speak aging of the skin, we present a network of wrinkles on the face, arms, wrinkles are not necessarily indicative of the biological kisris.magram asaki.zogjer they appear quite different reasons gamo.magalitad, because of the constant exposure to the sun (it is familiar to the people who work out) as a result, the skin loses its elasticity, and someone loses shine naadrevad.amitom,  coverage under clothing and using protective measures for vulnerable areas.

Do not forget about the internal reasons that provoked naochebs.magalitad, wrinkles on the forehead can indicate diseases of the stomach, or the impact stresi.gadacharbebuli mimic the activity can also leave a "footprint" on the face, "crow's feet" around the eyes, as the constant squinting, wrinkles on the forehead as a habit frown.

Premature aging can lead to a number of external factors:

UV sinatlis.kosmetologiis the term "light old-fashioned." Without specifying, we can say that the sun's rays harmful to the collagen fibers responsible for the skin's ability to retain and accumulate moisture.

Long-term stress. Adrenaline released during stress strongly narrows the small capillaries. This means that the skin does not get enough oxygen and as a result, lose their attraction.

Pirobebi.gamonabolkvi bad environment, factory smoke and other air pollutants to release large amounts of free radikalebis.tsvdomis through the walls of the cells, they disturb their normal work.

Motseva.es has long been proven that women smokers skin is aging much faster, and the reason is the same free radicals.

Alkoholi.is, unlike nicotine, expands siskhldzarghvebs.magram This does not mean that alcohol can be good after kanis.arajansaghi blush spirits - only the most harmless simptomia.mogvianebit, face may appear red venebis.garda addition, alcohol dehydrates tissues Seized precious minerals.

Tea, coffee, greasy sakvebi.shezghuduli abuse of these products can lead to severe consequences uvnebelia.magram skin.

Motionless.

Lack of sleep.

The sharp fluctuations in weight.

Although the mechanism of biological aging well studied, until he managed to beat vinmes.preventsia usually limited to the use of a variety of cosmetics, moisturizing the upper layers of the skin and the operation, resulting in increased tension kanis.magram these methods do not affect the aging protsesi.miukhedavad addition, regular beauty treatment can do a good job.

                                                                                                              

about Diabetes

about Diabetes

                                    Information about Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes  mellitus  is a chronic metabolic disease which is  ... 20:05

                                   Information about Diabetes Mellitus

• Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease which is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels as a result of impairedsecretion or impaired insulin action or a combination of the two aforementioned reasons, causing a relative or absolute lack of insulin. There are two main categories of Diabetes mellitus: Diabetes mellitus type 1, which is an autoimmune disease and Diabetes mellitus type 2, which is due to hereditary and environmental factors. Moreover, there is gestational diabetes and some specific types of Diabetes mellitus.
•  The symptoms of diabetes include polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration / dry mouth, blurred vision, weight loss, overeating, increased frequency of infections and exhaustion.
• Concerning the prevention and consistent management of Diabetes mellitus, it is of paramount importance for the health and quality of life of diabetic people. Therefore, it is founded that the better the regulation of blood glucose levels is, the lower the possibility of the chronic complications’ development of diabetes is. Treatment strategies of diabetes mellitus vary depending on the degree of impairment of insulin secretion. Treatment options include the non-drug treatment (through changes in diet and exercise), the antidiabetic agents and the pharmaceutical treatment with insulin.

Role of Nutrition in Diabetes Mellitus Prevention and Treatment

• A balanced diet is the cornerstone for the management of Diabetes mellitus. The official scientific committees and organizations worldwide, that are associated with diabetes, recommend changes in dietary and exercise habits as a priority for both the prevention and the treatment of people with type 2 diabetes.
• Such interventions usually include a restriction in caloric levels, as well as in carbohydrate and fat intake in the framework of adoption of healthier eating habits and of the incorporation of more exercise against a sedentary lifestyle.

It is found that a diet which leads to a moderate weight loss (7.5% of initial weight) contributes substantially to a better regulation of blood glucose levels.

How to Control Diabetes

                    How to Control Diabetes No doubt, to Control Diabetes with food is not an easy job. It’s really very hard but with a ... 07:50

                   How to Control Diabetes

No doubt, to Control Diabetes with food is not an easy job. It’s really very hard but with a little consistency and will power it is possible to cure diabetes with food.

 Change your Lifestyle:

It can be astonishing and awesome to be diagnosed; diabetics have to regulate to lifestyle variations as well. To Control Diabetes cure plans generally consist of four vital constituents:
 A vigorous, nutritive, diabetic responsive diet.

 Consistent exercise.
 Keeping an accurate weight
 Regular medicine, like pills or insulin injections.
Mostly persons would possibly favor to evade medication where conceivable. Besides for many people, it is probable to regulate diabetes devoid of resorting to treatment.

Controlling Diabetes through Diet:
 Carbohydrates in foods rapidly increase blood sugar levels; diabetics have to be specifically cautious nearly what they eat, in what manner greatly they eat, and even though while they eat.
 Intricate carbohydrates offer a slower, firmer release of sugar, whereas developed carbohydrates, sweets, and treated foods lean towards to offer a quick discharge of sugar.
 Diabetic-friendly diet is fundamentally a diet that’s vigorous for anyone, rich in vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and lean meats or proteins, whereas reducing excessively treated foods and sweets.
 Intake of food on a consistent schedule moreover helps to control blood glucose levels.
 Portion control is vital too, as you don’t need to eat massive meals that increase your blood sugar speedily.
 Try to get a blend of different nutrients in all meal to Control Diabetes.
 Your fasting blood glucose is monitored every morning formerly you eat or drink whatever thing other than water.
 Portion control is vigorous not just for the reason that of the calories, however besides to help manage blood sugar levels owing to the carbohydrates in foods.

Establishing a Regular Exercise Routine:
 Daily exercise is the maximum valuable whether not all the day of the week for almost 30 minutes at a time.
 Tiring the right shoes is important also. Proper foot care and a good pair of shoes will support make sure that you can endure to exercise on a regular basis.
 Whether your fasting glucose is excessively high, always attempt a brisk 15-minute walk formerly bed. It’s good for to Control Diabetes
 Make a variation the interval of your exercise repetitive. Begin with an additional 5 or 10 minutes and grasp how your body responds.

Weight Reduction and maintenance:
 Even though dropping weight even only 10 to 15 pounds can comfort your body turn out to be further sensitive to insulin and moreover to Control Diabetes.
 Intake a good and healthy, percentage measured diet as well as appealing in daily exercise, will make it stress-free to lose weight.

Diabetes

Diabetes

                                            Diabetes Drugs: Metformin Metformin  (brand names Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Riomet, Fo... 19:00

                                           Diabetes Drugs: Metformin

Metformin (brand names Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Riomet, Fortamet, Glumetza) is a member of a class of medicines known as biguanides. This type of medicine was first introduced into clinical practice in the 1950’s with a drug called phenformin. Unfortunately, phenformin was found to be associated with lactic acidosis, a serious and often fatal condition, and was removed from the U.S. market in 1977.

This situation most likely slowed the approval of metformin, which was not used in the U.S. until 1995. (By comparison, metformin has been used in Europe since the 1960’s.) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required large safety studies of metformin, the results of which demonstrated that the development of lactic acidosis as a result of metformin therapy is very rare. (A finding that has been confirmed in many other clinical trials to date.) Of note, the FDA officer involved in removing phenformin from the market recently wrote an article highlighting the safety of metformin.

Metformin works primarily by decreasing the amount of glucose made by the liver. It does this by activating a protein known as AMP-activated protein kinase, or AMPK. This protein acts much like an “energy sensor,” setting off cellular activities that result in glucose storage, enhanced entry of glucose into cells, and decreased creation of fatty acids and  cholesterol.

A secondary effect of the enhanced entry of glucose into cells is improved glucose uptake and increased storage of glycogen (a form of glucose) by the muscles. Additionally, the decrease in fatty acid levels brought about by metformin may indirectly improve  insulin resistance and beta cell function. As a result, both glucose and insulin levels in people with Type 2 diabetes decrease with metformin therapy.

The joint guidelines issued by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) for the treatment of people with Type 2 diabetes call for metformin to be used as the first-line drug therapy along with lifestyle interventions (a healthful diet and exercise). Large reviews of multiple studies have shown decreases in HbA1c (an indication of blood glucose control over the previous 2–3 months) from 1% to 2% in people using metformin. In the large United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), metformin was associated with better health outcomes than various other therapies, including chlorpropamide (brand name Diabinese), glibenclamide, also known as glyburide, (DiaBeta and others), or insulin, and was additionally associated with less weight gain and fewer episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). In fact, the UKPDS is one of the major studies that lead the ADA and EASD to place metformin as the first-line therapy.

Metformin is available as a stand-alone pill and is also available in combination pills with several other types of oral medicines. Various studies have evaluated metformin in combination with glyburide, nateglinide (Starlix), pioglitazone (Actos), insulin, and acarbose (Precose). In all of these studies, there were better health outcomes associated with the combined therapies compared to each of the therapies used alone. Notably, the combination of metformin and insulin not only demonstrated a reduction in HbA1c in studies, but also a reduction in the insulin dose.

Moreover, in various trials using metformin, triglyceride (a type of blood fat) levels have been reduced by approximately 10% to 20%, with an additional reduction in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

Metformin has also been used for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), although this is not an FDA-approved use.

Metformin is eliminated from the body by the kidneys and has a half-life of 6 hours, meaning that roughly 94% of the drug is removed from the body in 24 hours. It is prescribed in doses from 500 milligrams to 2,000 milligrams and is given 1–3 times daily. It is usually started at a dose of 500 milligrams and slowly raised every one to two weeks to the maximum dose that can be tolerated without side effects. (Doses above 2,000 milligrams have not been shown to be any more effective than a 2,000-milligram dose.)

The major side effects of metformin are gastrointestinal and include an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. These effects may be reduced by taking metformin with meals, as well as by starting off at a low dose that is slowly increased. Some evidence suggests that using an extended-release form of metformin may also decrease gastrointestinal side effects.

Minor side effects of this medicine include a metallic taste and decreased absorption of vitamin B12. As mentioned above, the development of lactic acidosis with this medicine is rare and has been estimated at roughly 4–9 cases per 100,000 people. To prevent the occurrence of lactic acidosis, the use of metformin is not recommended for those older than 80 years old, and for people who have mild kidney dysfunction, congestive heart failure, or a previous history of acidosis, among several other conditions.