Numbers show that in 2019 alone, around 85,739,443 metformin prescriptions were issued in the United States. That means metformin ranks fourth of this country’s most commonly prescribed medications. If you, or someone you know, are also taking metformin, it’s important to learn what to do or avoid doing to increase its effectiveness. Read on to see some of the most useful tips for taking metformin.

What is metformin?

Metformin is an oral anti-diabetic drug sold under the brand name Glucophage. Metformin is prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. Like some other medications, metformin has some off-label uses, such as for prediabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes, and weight gain resulting from antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine. 

Is metformin effective for managing diabetes?

Metformin is effective for managing or preventing diabetes, as confirmed by many studies. For example, Diabetes Spectrum published a paper evaluating the effectiveness of metformin in preventing type 2 diabetes. 

The paper reported that metformin significantly decreased the incidence of diabetes mellitus by 31% compared to placebo. However, it wasn’t more effective than lifestyle intervention which reduced diabetes incidence by 58%. Scientists concluded that metformin was well-tolerated and effective for preventing or delaying diabetes in high-risk persons.

Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism published a review to determine whether metformin should remain the first-line treatment for diabetes. The paper found no reason not to include metformin as soon as a person is diagnosed with diabetes. 

Some studies explored how metformin compares to other options such as berberine. When it comes to berberine vs metformin, evidence shows they have similar effects. While metformin could be more powerful, they may work better in combination because berberine is a natural metformin. But when it comes to ozempic vs metformin, the latter is more practical for people who don’t like injections. 

Metformin works by making the body more sensitive to insulin. At the same time, it lowers the absorption of sugar and decreases its production. That’s why it can aid the management of diabetes and prevent it in high-risk groups of people. 

What are the side effects of metformin?

Every medication has some side effects. Not every person taking metformin will experience adverse reactions, but it’s useful to know the risks. 

Common side effects of taking metformin include:

• Upset stomach
• Gas
• Cramping
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

You may want to consult a healthcare provider if you experience unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, feeling cold, dizziness, or slow or irregular heart rate. 

Avoid stopping metformin on your own or tweaking the dosage. Consult a doctor who will adjust the dosage based on your needs and condition.

5 tips for taking metformin 

People with type 2 diabetes usually get metformin as the first-line medication for this condition. In order to get the most from metformin, you may want to follow the five tips listed below.

1. Take metformin with food

Metformin is supposed to be taken with meals. Avoid taking the tablet on an empty stomach. Taking metformin with food helps decrease side effects that may occur at the beginning of the treatment. Ideally, you should take medicine with or right after your evening meal. Make sure to swallow the tablet whole without crushing, breaking, or chewing it.

2. Avoid certain foods

Some foods can impair the effectiveness of metformin or increase the risk of adverse reactions. 

Foods to avoid while taking metformin include:

• Alcohol interacts with metformin. While moderate use isn’t likely to cause problems, regular alcohol intake or binge drinking can. The best thing to do is to avoid alcohol entirely.
• Saturated fat may increase inflammation and make it more difficult to manage diabetes or lose weight.
• Trans fats have inflammatory properties. 
• Simple and refined carbs reduce the effectiveness of metformin. You may want to avoid white rice, white bread, white pasta, soda, candies, desserts, snacks, crackers, sugar, and other low-fiber and heavily processed foods.
• Excessive sodium has a higher risk of heart problems and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Metformin doesn’t make your diet restrictive. Instead, it encourages you to make healthy changes and reduce the consumption of foods that may jeopardize diabetes management.

3. Increase intake of certain foods

While some foods can decrease the effectiveness of metformin, others can improve blood glucose management. 

You may want to enrich your diet with the following foods:

• Vegetables – ideally, half of your plate at every meal should account for vegetables. Opt for non-starchy options such as broccoli, leafy greens, asparagus, cauliflower, and cabbage, among others.
• Low-carb fruits are better for glucose balance. Berries are a good example of delicious yet low-carb fruits.
• Lean protein can help regulate blood glucose. Choose chicken, turkey, fish, and other lean sources of protein, but make sure to avoid saturated fat.
• Healthy fats protect heart health and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. Good sources of healthy fats are nuts, fish, avocado, and olive oil, all of which are abundant in unsaturated fats.
• Complex carbs are abundant in fiber, which slows the rate at which the body turns carbs into glucose. This leads to more effective blood sugar management and healthy insulin levels. Complex carbs include unrefined grains such as whole grain oats, brown rice, whole grain bread, and quinoa. These foods could also help with metformin weight loss, i.e., allow you to lose weight despite diabetes, while also using this medication.

4. Stay away from the sun

Generally speaking, you should stay from the sun and its harmful UV rays as it is. But it’s even more important when you’re taking glyburide-metformin. This medication increases sun sensitivity, thus making you more likely to get sunburned. 

When taking this drug, apply sunscreen before heading out and reapply accordingly. It’s also useful to wear protective clothing. Keep in mind this applies only to cases when people take a glyburide-metformin combination.

5. Don’t treat it as a weight loss drug

It’s not uncommon for people to treat metformin as a weight loss medication. Evidence shows metformin won’t cause that significant weight loss and doesn’t exhibit a dramatic effect on visceral fat mass. Even though metformin can be an adjunct to healthy lifestyle measures, you shouldn’t rely only on this medicine to slim down. Losing weight is tricky, especially with diabetes, but it is achievable. 

Final Thoughts

Metformin is the first-line treatment for diabetes. A growing body of evidence confirms its effectiveness. To get the most from metformin, it’s important to modify your diet, adhere to the dosage instructions, and take it with or after meals. If you’re experiencing side effects, you may want to contact your healthcare provider or get emergency medical assistance. 

Author Bio

Ben’s Natural Health is the world’s first high-quality, all-natural, scientifically proven clinical supplement company. Their motto is to combine holistic healing with modern science. 

Ben has brought together a team of naturopaths, nutritionists, and medical researchers to help him create real, side-effect-free solutions to serious metabolic health conditions.

Links 

1.  Metformin
2.  Metformin: historical overview
3.  A short biography of metformin 
4.  Metformin and Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
5.  Should metformin remain the first-line therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes?
6.  Metformin: an old but still the best treatment for type 2 diabetes
7.  Metformin and berberine, are two versatile drugs in the treatment of common metabolic diseases
8.  The effect of metformin on fat distribution and metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Social media can be exciting, inspiring, and even helpful, especially for those struggling with in-person interactions. But, above all, social media can be a double-edged sword. 

With the prevalence of anxiety and social anxiety disorders growing at an unprecedented rate, social media might be playing a role in triggering feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and FOMO.

Luckily, online therapy – or Telepsychology – is here to help. But how can you find the right telehealth services for your needs?

Get started with the guide below. 

Taking the First Step: You Are Not Alone

Social media is radically changing every aspect of our lives, from how we interact with friends to how we plan our holidays. However, spending hours immersed in that picture-perfect world portrayed by platforms like Instagram can significantly affect your mental health. 

According to recent studies, heavy, intense, or problematic social media may be linked to increased rates of depression and anxiety, which can lead to isolation, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm. 

Some of the ways you might begin to feel affected by social media also include a sense of inadequacy, fear of missing out, or self-absorption. What’s more, practices such as cyberbullying can take a toll on your emotional well-being. 

If you have noticed that these feelings often arise after using social media, you might find it beneficial to practice regular social detoxes or disrupt your algorithm. You can do so by simply hitting the “Not Interested” button to get rid of triggering content. 

However, improving your relationship with social media – and regaining mental health – isn’t something that can always be done without the help of a professional. In this case, your first port of call should be a specialized therapist. 

Find a Specialized Online Therapist

While telehealth tools have been around since the mid-1990s, online therapy has only become secure, accessible, and efficient during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Today, online therapy is certainly here to stay, and, beyond being as efficient as in-person therapy, it has also made mental health care more affordable and accessible for people around the world. 

Nonetheless, finding an online therapist you can trust might not be so straightforward. Ideally, you should consider reviewing the accreditations and qualifications of a professional before choosing him or her as your therapist. This is even more important if you have found a therapist on Instagram or Facebook as opposed to platforms that vet their therapists.

Understand the Costs Involved

Thanks to the advent of online therapy tools, therapists have been able to lower their overhead costs, thus providing more affordable services to their patients. Depending on a professional’s area of expertise and years of experience, you should expect to pay between $75 and $100 per session. 

However, some platforms might offer therapy for as low as $20 per session, or provide monthly subscriptions. 

Depending on your unique circumstances, you might be able to find financial assistance to cover therapy costs through your university or college, employer, or your local Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

Pro tip – as online therapy becomes more mainstream, healthcare insurance companies are quickly adapting by covering the cost of online therapy. Be sure to talk to your insurer to understand what services are included. 

Choose a Local Professional

While online mental health services platforms allow you to choose a therapist among a global pool of professionals, you should consider the benefits of partnering with a local clinic. 

For example, if you’re looking for mental health treatments and services in South Bay, CA, choosing a local online therapist can help you obtain personal assistance at their clinic if needed. 

Give Priority to Your Preferences

Finding the perfect match for your mental health needs can be challenging. However, when doing so, always keep in mind your priorities, including gender preference, budget, and preferred communication methods. 

For example, if you are struggling with self-image issues, choosing a therapist of your same gender can help connect on a deeper level, while selecting a provider who can deliver assistance over the phone and via text might be key to accessing uninterrupted care. 

If in doubt, consider visiting a local clinic that also offers online therapy services to meet your therapist in person and make sure that you have found the right match.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a set of rules that gives individuals control over their healthcare information. The security and privacy of medical records are essential for protecting sensitive data and keeping personal information private.

When working in the healthcare industry, avoiding HIPAA violations is essential. If you’re unfamiliar with HIPAA, it stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. (1)

What is a HIPAA Violation?

The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects the privacy and security of people’s health information. If your business violates HIPAA, you could be fined or even face criminal charges. 

If your employees don’t understand their responsibilities in keeping health information secure, they could mistakenly violate HIPAA and risk your patients’ privacy. HIPAA violations can have severe consequences, including: 

• A fine of up to $50,000 per violation. 
• Criminal charges in extreme cases. 
• Damaged reputation and loss of business. 
• Increased costs to train employees on security protocols.

What Constitutes a HIPAA Violation?

HIPAA violations include negligence or confusion about the law itself. They can take various forms but are often rooted in failing to secure patient information and privacy. If you’re unsure about the rules, you should review them, as ignorance is not a valid excuse for a violation. HIPAA violations can include: 

• Making unauthorized disclosures of patient information. 
• Failure to protect the confidentiality of patient information. 
• Failure to properly dispose of patient information. 
• Using patient information for reasons other than patient care.

How to Avoid a HIPAA Violation

As a healthcare provider, you must know what a HIPAA violation is and how to avoid it. Here are some things you can do to ensure that you comply with HIPAA and avoid a HIPAA violation. 

– Educate your staff: Train your staff on their responsibilities when it comes to protecting patient information. Ensure they know what they can and cannot do regarding health data. 

– Create a plan: Create a HIPAA compliance plan. This will help you to focus on your security vulnerabilities and help you to create a plan to address those. 

– Use encryption: Make sure you are correctly encrypting patient data. This will help to protect that information in the event of a breach.

Stay informed and up to date on the latest regulations.

New regulations are often added to HIPAA, so staying updated with the latest version and amendments is essential. The best way to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest regulations is to sign up for email updates from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

Another way to stay informed is to follow HHS on social media. HHS has a Facebook page and a Twitter account where they post their most recent news and announcements. (2)

Don’t share patient information without consent.

Be very careful about who you share patient information. Make sure you only share patient information with individuals who need it. Patient information should only be shared for treatment, payment, or operations (TPO). 

If you are unsure if you can share information, it is best not to share it. You will not get in trouble for not sharing information you are unsure about. You will only get in trouble if you share information without consent and are not sure if you are allowed to share it.

Keep your facility’s physical premises secure – and know when you are not secure.

HIPAA compliance is not just about electronic information. You also have to be sure that your physical premises are secure. This includes keeping patient information out of sight and locking cabinets or drawers. 

This also includes keeping unwanted visitors out of your facility. If someone unauthorized can enter your facility, they may be able to see or access patient information. This is a HIPAA violation, and you should report it immediately.

HR Lessons from the Final Rule: Wrapping Up

The final rule issued in the fall of 2002 concluded that the health care industry must take a leading role in protecting patients’ health information privacy and security. The rule reflected three significant changes in the approach to protecting health information: 

• Application of the concept of risk management.
• Using risk assessment to prioritize areas for attention, rather than checking off a list of requirements one by one. 
• Elimination of the general rule for providers to keep written medical records for at least six years. 
• Expansion of the entities covered by the Privacy Rule to include health insurance providers, clearinghouses, and others involved in the financial aspects of health care.

Conclusion

HIPAA violations can have severe consequences. They can hurt your organization’s reputation and create a risk of legal action. To avoid a HIPAA violation, healthcare providers must be aware of their responsibilities regarding protecting patient information.

Increasing your appetite isn’t the easiest thing to do. You might have tried eating more frequently or changing your diet, but sometimes those things don’t work. If you’re looking for a way to increase your appetite, you may want to try Apetamin.

Apetamin is a medication that is designed to increase appetite. It is available in syrup form, and you can take it with or without food. The recommended dosage is 2-3 teaspoons per day, and you should start to see results within a few days to a week.

Why should you consider taking Apetamin?

There are a few reasons why you might want to take gml apeti. First, increasing your appetite can help you eat more and meet your calorie goals if you’re trying to gain weight. Additionally, if you’re struggling with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, taking Apetamin can help you to eat more and get the nutrients your body needs.

How does Apetamin work?

Apetamin works by increasing levels of histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical that plays a role in appetite regulation. Increasing histamine levels, Apetamin can help increase appetite and make you feel hungrier.

Is Apetamin safe?

Apetamin is generally considered safe for most people. However, you should be aware of a few potential side effects. These include drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. If you experience these side effects, stop taking Apetamin and talk to your doctor.

Additionally, Apetamin can interact with other medications, so be sure to talk to your doctor about any other medications you’re taking before starting Apetamin.

What are the benefits of taking Apetamin?

There are a few potential benefits of taking Apetamin. Increasing your appetite can help you eat more and meet your calorie goals if you’re trying to gain weight. Additionally, if you’re struggling with an eating disorder, taking Apetamin can help you to eat more and get the nutrients your body needs.

It may be surprising that a medication designed to increase appetite can also help people struggling with eating disorders. However, by increasing histamine levels, Apetamin can help reduce the anxiety and fear associated with eating. This can make it easier for people with eating disorders to eat more and get their bodies’ nutrition.

Who isn’t Apetamin right for?

Apetamin is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are a few people who shouldn’t take Apetamin. These include pregnant women, children under 18, and people with certain medical conditions.

The average person can take Apetamin without any problems. However, if you have any concerns, talk to your doctor before taking Apetamin.

Gaining weight is an almost impossible task for some people

They might have a naturally high metabolism or just can’t seem to eat enough. If you’re one of these people, Apetamin can help you to increase your appetite and eat more. This can help you gain the weight you need to reach your goals.

If you’re struggling with weight gain issues, talk to your doctor about whether or not Apetamin is right for you. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of taking Apetamin and ensure it’s safe for you.

You may have heard of weed or THC gummies but are not sure why you would want to use them. Many people claim to use these gummies for a range of benefits, but it is understandable why there is still some skepticism around the whole thing.

While marijuana is still illegal in many locations, there are very few restrictions on the hemp plant itself, which also contains the compound THC. This is how it is possible to buy THC gummies, as well as other THC products, in many locations, even if the selling and use of weed itself are not allowed.

With that being said, you may be wanting to try THC gummies to see what all the fuss is about and are not sure where to start. 

What is Delta-9?

THC gummies and products come in a range of variations, delta-9 being one of them. This stands for delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a specific compound similar to what can be found in weed. You can check for Delta 9 here.

Like other strands of THC, there are some psychoactive benefits to taking products with this strand which is why it can be used for recreational purposes as well as medicinal.

Delta-9 is an active cannabinoid which means it can provide soothing benefits, such as relaxing and calming both the mind and body. However, as this strand is not taken from marijuana but rather the hemp plant, it does not have any of the negative side effects you might expect from cannabis.

There are various strands of THC that are named delta, such as Delta-8, which does offer different effects. Delta-9 is more psychoactive than other strands and offers more intense effects because of this.

How To Take Delta-9 THC

As this is derived from the hemp plant, Delta-9 is a legal cannabinoid that can be accessed from a range of states and locations. Because of its legal status, various products offer Delta-9 THC in some capacity.

If you are looking to experience the benefits that come from this compound, whether this is for recreational or medicinal purposes, the easiest way to take Delta-9 THC is in gummy form.

Gummies are sweets that are made using Delta-9 THC along with other, typically natural ingredients depending on the brand you choose. This is one of the most popular ways to take THC in any capacity, and there are some great Delta-9 gummies out there, such as the Diet Smoke Delta-9 THC Gummies.

Using THC gummies allows you to experience the soothing, relaxing, and psychoactive benefits of this compound without the hassle of smoking or the mess of tinctures. 

It can be easy to microdose using gummies if this is something you are interested in, and they can be discreetly used to provide relief when you need it most. With great flavors, THC gummies can also be a nicer way to consume this compound and can provide a better overall experience for all users.

With a boom in the cannabis industry, many people have started using Delta 8 in various forms, such as smoking, dabbing, vaping, or as edibles. It’s no wonder that 3Chi Delta 8 gummies are one of the lead runners in these new recreational purposes of cannabis.

However, it can be very tricky and difficult for newcomers to judge the amounts of Delta 8 that they should be consuming. We’ve all heard about the stories of people misinterpreting their dosages and taking high amounts of Delta 8 products, which takes them into a high paranoia. These episodes highlight the importance of knowing your tolerance levels for Delta 8 and other relevant information about it. Naturally, one does wonder about the time that is required for these gummies to kick in and how long will the effect last.

3Chi Delta 8 gummies require about 60-90 minutes in order to get in action. The reason for this is that edibles, in contrast to vapes and pipes, only activate once they pass through the digestive system. To avail of the best deals, order here3Chi Delta 8 THC Gummies.

How Long Will a 3Chi Delta 8 High Last?

The duration of the effect of the high depends on various factors:

• The potency of the delta-8 products is one of the factors in determining the duration for which the effect will last.
• People who have been using delta-8 products for quite some time will require a higher dosage of the product than a first-time user.
• Effect of BMI. Like the effectiveness of any other product, height, weight, sex, and age will have a significant influence on the portion of time in which the high will last.
• The Delivery Method. Edibles give a longer duration of the effect when compared to other fast processes such as smoking and vaping.

Some famous 3Chi delta 8 gummies promise their high to last about 6 hours while being super potent and meeting all your needs.

What to Do When Delta 8 High Wears off?

According to some reports, a few people do experience tremors, dizziness, confusion, increased heart rate, hallucinations, and vomiting after ingesting delta 8 containing edibles, gummies included.

The first and foremost thing to do when in these kinds of situations is to keep yourself calm and try your best to distract yourself.

Drinking plenty of water and taking a shower helps reduce or even eliminate the after-effects of delta 8.

If feeling a bit too nauseous, sniffing black pepper or taking a stroll in the fresh air can also help you to reduce the effects.

Benefits of a 3Chi Delta 8 High

People returning to 3Chi Delta 8 gummies and products from time to time is an indication of the benefits that this product is providing to its users.

Delta 8 is known to provide a high that stimulates relaxation without the feeling of not having control. It has also been stated by the National Cancer Institute that delta 8 helps our body to maintain homeostasis through our endocannabinoid system.

Some research has also suggested that delta 8 helps the brain with its neuroprotective abilities. It has also shown signs of stimulating appetite in people who struggle with eating disorders.

3Chi delta 8 also helps to eliminate nausea with no proven side effects. Apart from that, delta 8 has also been proven to reduce pain like that of menstruation, cramps, and more to a certain degree.

Besided, it is one of the most used products to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Many have described delta 8 to wash a wave of relaxation upon them, soothe and calm them down.

How to Get a 3Chi Delta 8 High?

3Chi Delta 8 is known to have a soothing, relaxing effect on its users. Here are some tips and tricks to help maximize your high:

• Understand Your Needs.
  Everything comes from this point, whether you need sativa, indica or a hybrid; whether you want it to taste like diesel or oranges; whether you want to get boosted or sleepy – getting to know what you need is the first step.
• Find the Right Kind.
  Find the right strain, which fits your needs and best suits the sensations that you want to experience. Another thing is to find your preferable flavor so that it does not give you any unpleasant feelings.
• Start Low and Slow.
  Always start with a lower dosage of the gummies than what you think you require, and then work your way up. This helps in maximizing your experience with the delta 8 product and discover your tolerance level. Remember that it might take up to two hours for the effects to kick in, so upgrading a dose before that might result in some adverse effects.