Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyMedium
A medical assistant is reviewing a patient's medication list and notes a prescription for metformin. Which of the following conditions is metformin primarily prescribed to treat?
- AType 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- BHypertension
- CCongestive Heart Failure
- DHyperlipidemia
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Metformin is a first-line medication for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It works by decreasing glucose production by the liver and improving insulin sensitivity.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is treated with antihypertensives, not typically metformin.
- C. Congestive Heart Failure is treated with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, etc., not metformin.
- D. Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) is treated with lipid-lowering agents like statins, not metformin.
Metformin Indication
Metformin is an oral antidiabetic medication primarily used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
- Belongs to the biguanide class.
- Reduces hepatic glucose production.
- Improves insulin sensitivity.
Memory trick: Metformin for 'M'aintaining 'M'y sugar levels.