Formistar 500 Tablet belongs to a group of anti-diabetic medicines called biguanides used in the treatment of diabetes. It helps to lower the increased blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes patients. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic or lifelong disorder that affects the way our body processes glucose. People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or the insulin produced is unable to perform its function in the body (insulin resistance). Middle-aged or older individuals are most likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, so it is also known as adult-onset diabetes.

Formistar 500 Tablet is prescribed for the condition of type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone cannot control their blood sugar levels. It is the first-line therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes. Formistar 500 Tablet restores the body's response to insulin, decreases the amount of blood sugar produced by the liver, and delays the absorption of sugar by the stomach or intestines. Besides, Formistar 500 Tablet has off-label usage in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) where it helps normalize the menstruation cycle by restoring the body's hormonal balance, lowers blood sugar levels, and stimulates ovulation. 

Usually, Formistar 500 Tablet does not cause very significant side effects. Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, or a metallic taste in the mouth. In very rare cases, it may cause a condition known as lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the body) with symptoms like dizziness, drowsiness, muscle pain, etc. Your sugar level may go down while taking this medicine with heavy exercise, drinking excessive alcohol, or skipping meals. Talk to the doctor about any of the health conditions listed above that may require urgent medical treatment.

Formistar 500 Tablet works best when coupled with a healthy lifestyle like losing weight if you are overweight (BMI >25), eating fewer calories (low fat and sugary food), and being more physically active (at least 150 min of activity every week).

Formistar 500 Tablet plays a vital role in managing diabetes and achieving good control of blood sugar levels by delaying the absorption of sugar and increasing insulin sensitivity in the body. Formistar 500 Tablet does not cause a sudden lowering of the blood glucose level or cause significant hypoglycaemia. Unlike other anti-diabetic therapies like sulfonylureas or insulin, Formistar 500 Tablet does not cause weight gain but may cause modest weight loss. In the prediabetic condition, Formistar 500 Tablet is the only recommended treatment available. Formistar 500 Tablet also helps to prevent serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage (Diabetic Nephropathy), blindness (Diabetic Retinopathy), loss of sensation in your hands and feet (Diabetic Neuropathy) or even loss of foot! Formistar 500 Tablet also helps to reduce your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. 

Some diabetic patients taking Formistar 500 Tablet may develop a serious condition called lactic acidosis. In lactic acidosis, there is too much lactic acid accumulated in the blood. So, your liver and kidney proper functioning is required for the elimination of excess lactic acid from the blood. You should not take metformin if you have kidney disease, as measured by a blood test. Formistar 500 Tablet may lower vitamin B-12 levels, so try to have blood test annual blood and vitamin. Formistar 500 Tablet , when used with insulin, may extremely lower the blood sugar level. So, the doctor may lower the dose of insulin.

• Keep taking Formistar 500 Tablet  even if you think your blood sugar levels are under control. If you miss a dose, do not take a larger dose, consult your treating physician for advice. 
• Take short frequent meals, avoid prolonged fasting when taking Formistar 500 Tablet . Beware of symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which include sweating, dizziness, palpitations, shivering, intense thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, frequent urination etc. Whenever you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms, immediately consume 5-6 candies or 3 glucose biscuits or 3 teaspoons of honey/sugar and also get in touch with your physician. Make sure to carry these with you at all times, especially during long travels. 
• It is always better that your physician knows about any underlying conditions like kidney disease or liver disease, prior heart attack, alcohol intake, etc before the doctor prescribes you Formistar 500 Tablet .
• Avoid drinking alcohol while on Formistar 500 Tablet  as it increases the risk of hypoglycaemia (decrease in blood sugar which might be fatal in some cases) and lactic acidosis (when the lactic acid increases in the body which impacts the functioning of various organs in the body).
• Try to quit smoking and reduce intake of carbohydrate rich food like potato, rice, mangoes, bread, sugar etc.
• Remember, lifestyle modifications are the most important step in controlling blood sugar levels.