Mechanism of Metformin Action

 

Metformin decreases glucose production by the liver. The mechanism of action of metformin in liver involves insulin receptor activation, followed by selective insulin receptor substrate-2 activation, and increased glucose uptake via increased GLUT-1 translocation. Metformin increases the number of muscle and adipocyte insulin secretion, it only increases insulin sensitivity. Therefore, metformin does not associate with causing hypoglycemia.

Metformin has been around for thirty years and is the most popular active ingredient. Metformin is an insulin-sensitizing agent with strong antihyperglycemic properties. Metformin is said to be similar to sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and insulin. Although the exact mechanism of hypoglycemic action of metformin is unclear, it might disrupt mitochondria oxidative processes in the liver and corrects irregularities of calcium metabolis in insulin-sensitive tissues (liver, skeletal muscle, and adipocytes) and cardiovascular tissue.

View Mechanism of metformin action on hepatice glucose production and muscle glucose consumption here.