metformin

noun

met·​for·​min met-ˈfȯr-mən How to pronounce metformin (audio)
: a drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C4H11N5·HCl especially to treat type 2 diabetes

Examples of metformin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The risk was 41% lower for the metformin group than for a comparison group receiving a placebo. Byscience News Staff, science.org, 15 June 2023 Gonzalez’s mother, LR’s abuela, is on metformin to control her blood sugar, and has struggled with her weight, too. Isabella Cueto, STAT, 17 July 2023 Today, metformin, tomorrow (and the next day and next day), life everlasting. Ali Finney, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2023 Evidence suggests that metformin may increase the risk of a potentially fatal condition called lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 29 Aug. 2023 This will show if metformin can increase health span. Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY, 28 Aug. 2023 Similarly, disorders of the digestive tract like Crohn's and celiac disease can also cause problems absorbing B12. Medications Some medications, like metformin for type 2 diabetes, can interfere with B12 absorption. Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 29 July 2023 What Are Other Good Supplements to Put in a Stack With Berberine? Stay away from things like metformin or anything that affects insulin levels, advises Paulvin, because you’ll get fatigued faster and run into other problems. Ned Doyle, Robb Report, 19 July 2023 This latest research suggests there might be value in digging back through those epidemiological datasets to see if women with diabetes who take metformin have improved ovarian reserves compared to those who either take other medications or no drugs at all. Megan Molteni, STAT, 23 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metformin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

methyl + -formin (as in phenformin, an earlier antidiabetic drug)

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metformin was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near metformin

Cite this Entry

“Metformin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metformin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

metformin

noun
met·​for·​min met-ˈfȯr-mən How to pronounce metformin (audio)
: an antidiabetic drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C4H11N5·HCl especially to treat type 2 diabetes in patients unresponsive to or intolerant of approved sulfonylurea drugs

Note: Trademarks for preparations containing metformin include Glucophage, Glucovance, Invokamet, Janumet, Jentadueto, and Kombiglyze.

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