Which statement about metformin and hypoglycemia is correct?

Which statement about metformin and hypoglycemia is correct?

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Only when taken with insulin
• D. Only in elderly

Answer: (A)

Metformin lowers blood glucose mainly by decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity, not by increasing insulin secretion. Because of this, it does not cause hypoglycemia on its own. The risk of hypoglycemia with metformin occurs only if another glucose-lowering agent that increases insulin release or exogenous insulin is added to the regimen. Age alone doesn’t determine this risk; it's about the combination of medications and kidney function, not metformin by itself.

Metformin lowers blood glucose mainly by decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity, not by increasing insulin secretion. Because of this, it does not cause hypoglycemia on its own. The risk of hypoglycemia with metformin occurs only if another glucose-lowering agent that increases insulin release or exogenous insulin is added to the regimen. Age alone doesn’t determine this risk; it's about the combination of medications and kidney function, not metformin by itself.