Many patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes wonder why doctors prescribe Metformin instead of recommending diet plans like keto or intermittent fasting. Medical experts explain that while lifestyle changes are important, Metformin has decades of proven evidence showing it safely lowers blood sugar and improves insulin use. The medication is affordable, well-tolerated, and does not typically cause dangerous blood sugar drops. It also supports heart health and modest weight loss. Dietary strategies like keto or intermittent fasting require strict discipline and may not suit everyone, especially those with other health conditions. High cholesterol or unstable blood sugar can make these diets risky. Doctors emphasize that treatment is not about choosing between medicine and diet but combining both. Metformin provides stability while sustainable lifestyle changes create long-term control, helping patients avoid complications affecting eyes, kidneys, heart, or nerves.
Why Metformin Is Preferred Over Diet-Only Approaches
Metformin is the first medication prescribed worldwide for type 2 diabetes because it has decades of reliable evidence. Dr Vijay Negalur, HOD diabetology at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, explains that it safely lowers blood sugar, improves the body's insulin use, and offers added benefits like supporting heart health and modest weight loss. Unlike many drugs, it is affordable and well-tolerated by most patients without causing dangerous blood sugar drops. Meanwhile, dietary strategies like the ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting require strict discipline and may not suit everyone. They can be difficult to maintain long-term, and some approaches like keto can raise cholesterol levels. Fasting may not be safe for patients with unstable blood sugar, kidney issues, or those on certain medications.
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