All of the following statements regarding Metformin are TRUE, EXCEPT:
Metformin does not affect the release of insulin or islet cell hormones and therefore does not cause hypoglycemia. It lowers blood glucose by reducing hepatic glucose production and by increasing peripheral glucose uptake. In the liver it acts by suppressing gluconeogenesis. Side effects of metformin are: nausea, indigestion, abdominal cramps or bloating and diarrhea. Lactic acidosis was found in patients with concurrent conditions that can cause poor tissue perfusion such as sepsis, myocardial infarction, congestive hea failure, renal failure. Metformin should not be used in severe pulmonary disease, decompensated hea failure, severe liver disease, or chronic alcohol abuse. Ref: Powers A.C., D'Alessio D. (2011). Chapter 43. Endocrine Pancreas and Pharmacotherapy of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypoglycemia. In L.L. Brunton, B.A. Chabner, B.C. Knollmann (Eds), Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 12e.
It causes little or no hypoglycemia in non diabetic subjects
Acts by increasing insulin secretion
Increases peripheral utilisation of glucose and decreases absorption of glucose from intestine
When given with alcohol, increases risk of lactic acidosis