Biguanides: What They Do, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം
Biguanides are tablets that lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. The one in common use is metformin. They are prescription medicines that work alongside diet and activity.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Biguanides work?
Biguanides lower the amount of sugar the liver releases, reduce the sugar absorbed from food in the gut and help the body's tissues respond better to insulin. On their own they do not usually push blood sugar too low.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Biguanides. They are listed A to Z.
- Metformin: Metformin is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Common questions
Do biguanides replace insulin?
No. Biguanides such as metformin help the body make better use of the insulin it already makes. Some people with type 2 diabetes also need other medicines or insulin. Your doctor decides what you need, so do not change anything on your own.
What is the main safety warning for biguanides?
Lactic acidosis, a rare but serious build-up of acid in the blood, which is more likely with kidney, liver or heart problems, heavy alcohol use or dehydration. Warning signs are repeated vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing and severe tiredness. Get emergency help if they appear.
Sources
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
- Type 2 diabetes: treatment. NHS (UK)
- Metformin: a medicine for type 2 diabetes. NHS (UK)
- Metformin hydrochloride tablets: prescribing information (label revised 7/2025, repackager copy). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine