In addition to lowering blood glucose levels, what is another effect of metformin?

Metformin is an oral antidiabetic medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hepatic glucose production. One of the notable effects of metformin, in addition to its ability to lower blood glucose levels, is its influence on appetite. Metformin has been associated with a decrease in appetite in many patients, which can contribute to weight loss or weight neutrality rather than weight gain. This anorectic effect is beneficial for many individuals with type 2 diabetes, as obesity is often a complicating factor.

Weight gain is typically not an effect of metformin; in fact, it is often used in patients who need to manage both diabetes and weight. Unlike some other diabetes medications that may stimulate insulin secretion, metformin does not increase insulin levels; rather, it works by making the body's insulin more effective. Furthermore, metformin does not enhance glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract; instead, it may decrease it by improving the body's utilization of glucose.

Therefore, the correct answer reflects metformin's role in decreasing appetite, contributing to its overall effectiveness in managing both blood glucose levels and weight in patients with type 2 diabetes.