Glucophage is a trade name for the oral anti-hyperglycemic agent metformin HCL . It is generally used in the management of mature onset (Type-Il) diabetes and utilized when dietary management and exercise alone have not been able to control the disease, yet injectable insulin is not appropriate since this hormone is still present in the body. While the main activity of Glucophage (metformin HCL) is the increased utilization of glucose , it does not directly mimic the action of insulin. The precise mode of action is actually unknown, but it is believed to increase insulin sensitivity through some peripheral process. Use of Glucophage (metformin HCL) will certainly lower the patient's blood sugar, but its activity makes it unlikely to cause a state of hypoglycemia if the dosage of Glucophage is accidentally misjudged (a major concern with injectable insulin).
Metformin - Glucophage and Insulin effects
The concept of harnessing insulin for performance enhancement has been catching on in recent years. As you may know, insulin is considered a "storage hormone". Injectable insulin can be extremely risky however, an incorrect dosage or insufficient carbohydrate intake having grave consequences to the user's health. In extreme cases, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can lead to coma or even death. Since this effect is rare with Glucophage, it is considered by many athletes to be an introduction to insulin manipulation.
Absorption rate of Glucophage
When administered, the absorption rate of Glucophage (metformin HCL) is very slow . Metformin HCL will make its way to circulation slowly, over a period of about six hours. The general intake schedule among bodybuilders is to take 850mg (one tablet) twice per day. The user will be sure to additionally supplement with a carbohydrate replacement (such as Ultra Fuel) and with creatine monohydrate, particularly after periods of training. The result of Glucophage's treatment will probably not be as dramatic as when using insulin, but a notable anabolic effect can be achieved nonetheless. Most athletes opt to use this drug for a limited duration, cycles of Glucophage usually lasting only a couple of months. This would be followed by an equally long break (at a minimum).
Disadvantages of Glucophage: side effects
While Glucophage is considered much safer than insulin , it is not without own unique risks. The most serious complication is the possible development of lactic acidosis. This is an often-fatal metabolic disorder involving (among other factors) an increase in lactate levels (lactic) and a pronounced decrease in blood pH (acidosis). The package insert of Glucophage displays the additional warning: the administration of oral hypoglycemics may be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality as compared to treatment with diet alone or diet with insulin. The risk for severe side effects of Glucophage are increased in people suffering from liver dysfunction or who drink excessive alcohol. Or those with renal dysfunction, noting impaired creatine clearance (a serum concentration above 1,2mg per 100 ml is considered the cut-off point for treatment). A number of other "minor" side effects of Glucophage may include, but are not limited to, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste, fatigue, weakness and malabsorbtion of vitamin B12. Quite often these effects will subside if the dosage of Glucophage (metformin HCL) is lowered, stubborn cases requiring the drug to be discontinued, If vomiting occurs, the athlete will usually discontinue Glucophage immediately for fear this may be an early symptom of lacticacidosis.
Glucophage and Debeone
Glucophage belongs to the same family of antidiabetic agents (biguanide derivatives) as Debeone (Phenformin HCL). Debeone was removed from the U.S. market (and others) in the late 70's, exhibiting a high tendency for lacticacidosis. While this compound is still available in Mexico, it is really too risky to justify using for performance enhancement. Since Glucophage has a much more reliable safety record, it is the preferred agent of the two (and usually never substituted). The reports on Glucophage have actually been mixed, with many bodybuilders being very disappointed with the results. Those looking for a more pronounced effect than Glucophage (metformin HCL) can provide will generally avoid stronger oral agents, and instead advance to injectable insulin. Others might first wish to give Rezulin a try, which is another recently developed oral agent. This drug appears to have a more intense effect (through a different mechanism) than Glucophage, but does present a number of unique risks to the user as well.
