Skip to main content

Medication

Metformin

An oral medication for type 2 diabetes that improves the body’s response to insulin.

An oral medication for type 2 diabetes that improves the body’s response to insulin.

Metformin is a long-established oral medicine for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood sugar largely by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production by the liver.

Because insulin resistance is common in PCOS, clinicians sometimes use metformin in that context.

Related terms

Insulin resistance

A state in which cells respond poorly to insulin, so the body needs more to keep blood sugar normal.

PCOS

A common hormonal condition marked by irregular ovulation, androgen excess, and/or polycystic ovaries.

Off-label use

Prescribing an FDA-approved drug for a use, dose, or group not specified in its labeling.

Source

DailyMed: Metformin

← Back to full glossary