Metformin is the recommended first-line drug and the current standard of care for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Unicity Balance, a long-standing, science-based natural alternative, continues to gain recognition for its blood glucose benefits.

This article provides a comprehensive comparison between Metformin and Unicity Balance, specifically focusing on their impact on blood glucose levels and side effects. Whether you're looking to understand metformin as a drug for glucose control, or you are exploring a natural alternative, and have heard about Unicity Balance for diabetes

What is Metformin

Metformin belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides. Historically, healthcare providers have prescribed metformin to treat high blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes but over the years it has since expanded to the treatment of prediabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and even cancer. The American Diabetes Association and the American College of Physicians both recommend metformin as a first-line agent to treat type 2 diabetes.

• Glyburide vs. Unicity Balance: Insulin Blood Glucose Benefits Comparison

Metformin Brand Names

Metformin is sold under the brand name Glucophage, as well as Fortamet, Glumetza and Riomet. According to MedlinePlus the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved metformin for people with type 2 diabetes. Although it is often used off label as a preventive measure for people at risk of developing the disease and those with prediabetes, which is the precursor of type 2 diabetes, though the FDA has not yet approved metformin for those uses.

Metformin History

Metformin was discovered in 1922 by French physician named Jean Sterne, who began the study in humans in the 1950s. It was introduced as a medication in France in 1957 and the United States in 1995. 

Metformin is the most widely used medication for diabetes taken by mouth. In 2019, it was the fourth-most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 85 million prescriptions.

In May 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that some makers of metformin extended release remove some of their tablets from the U.S. market. This is because an unacceptable level of a probable carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) was found in some extended-release metformin tablets. 

How Metformin Works

According to the American Diabetes Association, Metformin lowers blood glucose levels by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and promoting insulin absorption by muscle tissue, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Metformin became available in the United States in 1995, according to the Mayo Clinic, and it is the most commonly prescribed medication to treat type 2 diabetes worldwide.

In 2010, about 285 million people were diagnosed with diabetes. The World Health Organization predicts that as many as 366 million will be affected by 2030.

Metformin Side Effects

Metformin can cause mild and serious side effects. Most side effects are mild and primarily affect your digestive system. Severe side effects such as lactic acidosis are less common but require prompt medical attention.

Metformin causes some common side effects. These can occur when you first start taking metformin but usually go away over time. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or cause a problem for you.

The most common side effects of metformin include:

• heartburn
• stomach pain
• nausea or vomiting
• bloating
• gas
• diarrhea
• constipation
• weight loss
• headache
• unpleasant metallic taste in mouth

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are some of the most common side effects people have when they first start taking metformin. These problems usually go away over time. To reduce to the side effects they usually start on a low dosage and then increase it slowly, and it's recommended to take metformin with a meal. 

Metformin’s most serious side effect is lactic acidosis. Several factors raise your risk of lactic acidosis while taking metformin.

• Kidney problems: your kidneys remove metformin from your body. If your kidneys don’t work well, you’ll have higher levels of metformin in your system. This raises your risk of lactic acidosis.
• Heart problems: If you have acute heart failure or have recently had a heart attack, you should not take metformin.
• Liver problems: you should not take metformin if you have severe liver problems. Your liver clears lactic acid from your body.
• Alcohol use: drinking alcohol while taking metformin raises your risk of hypoglycemia. It also raises your risk of lactic acidosis because it increases lactic acid levels in your body.

Metformin can decrease the levels of vitamin B12 in your body causing anemia. According to the National Health Service, metformin is usually safe to take by itself or with insulin while pregnant or breastfeeding. According to reported studies, Metformin crosses the placenta but has not been linked to increased rates of fetal development issues or complications.

The Medical Paradigm Has It Wrong

According to Dr. Benjamin Bikman, internationally renowned metabolic scientist, pathophysiology professor and author of numerous books including Why We Get Sick and Insulin Resistance to download the book for free), he says that type 2 diabetes is an insulin problem, not a glucose problem. Dr. Bikman is one of the leading researchers on Insulin Resistance, understanding the role it plays and why so many of the world's population is developing type 2 diabetes at epidemic proportions. 

 “Giving insulin to a patient with Type 2 diabetes is similar to giving an alcoholic another glass of wine and hoping that will solve the problem.” ~ Dr. Benjamin Bikman 

 Unicity Balance Diabetes Drink: Healthy Blood Sugar Levels Naturally

 Although metformin drugs can lower blood sugar levels, Unicity Balance is the #1 clinically proven natural alternative, and it's the safer option. This natural plant-based fiber drink has been clinically proven to balance blood sugar within 60 days, as well as raise HDL, lower LDL, lower triglyceride, and lower blood pressure within 60 days. 

History of Unicity Balance for Diabetes

Unicity Balance (originally called Bios Life) was first developed by scientists at the University of Santa Barbara in 1986 while conducting research using natural fibers to manage serum cholesterol. Now more than 35 years later, Unicity Balance continues to be the most recommended natural health supplement by doctors and healthcare professionals worldwide.

Unicity Balance is made by Unicity International, a world leader in metabolic health. Unicity is most known as the founders of the Feel Great System, which consists of using Unicity Balance fiber matrix along with another unique yerba mate drink called Unimate. 

How Unicity Balance Work for Diabetes and Blood Glucose Control

Balance works by slowing the rate your body turns food into glucose. Balance effectively limits the amount of insulin needed. Instead of turning glucose into fat, your body will efficiently use the glucose for energy.

Dissolve the contents of one packet or one scoop into 8 to 10 fl. oz. of liquid (water or juice), stir or shake vigorously and drink immediately. Take it 10 to 15 minutes before your meal.

Unicity Balance Side Effects

Unicity Balance is well tolerated with all-natural ingredients. There may be mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as increased flatulence or loose stools, during the first month of initial use due to the increased uptake of dietary fiber. This is a normal reaction as your body begins to acclimate to the increased daily fiber intake. The effects should diminish after 2–3 weeks. If you’re very uncomfortable, consider halving cutting back to half a portion of Balance before each meal for 3–7 days.

How Unicity Balance Package Size and Nutrition Facts

Balance comes in single serving packets in a box of 60. It is an orange juice powder that provides the distinct light orange flavor and is naturally sweetened with the natural plant stevia. 

It is provided in the form of a drink mix and not in tablet form because you would need to take 7-8 per serving to get the amount of needed ingredients in one serving of Balance. More importantly, Balance works because it forms a large gel matrix when it dissolves in water together with the calcium salt in it. A tablet would be too condensed and would not form the necessary gel matrix.

Should you continue to drink Unicity Balance when I have reached my healthy blood sugar levels?

Unicity Balance has been clinically tested in numerous medically supervised studies to help patients achieve their health goals, often within 60 to 90 days. However, taking Unicity Balance for prevention purposes is highly recommended. Most people make taking Unicity Balance a lifestyle choice as part of The Feel Great System and continue taking it even after their cholesterol, fat loss or blood sugar goals have been reached.

Higher amounts of fiber is an important part of a lifelong healthy diet and will achieve ongoing good health, higher energy, better digestive function, and maintenance of recommended cholesterol levels, sugar balance and weight. In short, Balance should be a way of life and is a product everyone should benefit from.

What else will Balance do for health?

During the last three decades Balance has been through extensive clinical studies worldwide (including placebo and double blind) proving its benefits, as listed below. Clinical results that a Metformin does not offer.

1. Reduces and balances blood sugar levels safely & naturally.
2. Improves your cholesterol levels (both HDL & LDL) and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
3. Lowers triglycerides and reduces the risk of heart disease & stroke.
4. Reduces insulin resistance.
5. Decreases leptin resistance.
6. Reduces the glycemic index of foods you eat.
7. Absorbs, removes, & helps your body burn excess fat.
8. Reduces your appetite – reduces cravings & over-eating.
9. Promotes a healthy digestive function & regulates bowel function.
10. Contains a 100% of your recommended daily intake for many essential vitamins and minerals.
11. Helps increase your energy levels & reduces effects of stress.
12. Contributes to the protection of cell constituents from oxidative damage.

Unicity Balance Clinical Studies

Unicity Balance has been extensively studied, peer-reviewed, and published in the medical journals. The clinical trials have been conducted by leading medical institutions including Cleveland Clinic, UCLA, Columbia University, Mayo Clinic and Stanford School of Medicine to name just a few.

• One published study conducted at the University of Sydney, Australia show that Balance (Bios Life) decreased the glycemic index of three common, starchy foods, namely white bread (bread), white rice (rice), and mashed potato (mash). In each case, it reduced the glycemic indices from “high” glycemic foods to “medium” glycemic foods. 
• Another study published and reported by the American Diabetic Association (ADA) in 2005 concluded that the results indicate that Balance (Bios Life) is a very beneficial fiber drink for type 2 diabetics who want to control their glycemic parameters and cholesterol in a natural, side-effect-free way.
• In another published study they took a group of 34 subjects with established type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia added Balance to their diet. The drink was taken twice
  daily 15-20 minutes before meals. The conclusion was that the fiber component has reduced the post-prandial glucose levels and the resulting lower HbA1c levels indicate that Balance provides a natural option to improve diabetes management.
• In 2011, the University of Sydney published the Blood Glucose and Blood Insulin Study showed that one serving of Balance reduced blood glucose levels by 20% and blood insulin levels by 13%, and two servings reduced blood glucose levels by 28% and blood insulin levels by 27%.
• The Cleveland Clinic Study: Unicity Balance (Bios Life) for Cholesterol

Unicity Balance Prescribers Desk Reference (PDR)

Unicity Balance has been listed in the Prescribers Desk Reference (PDR) since 2002, the go-to resource for physicians requiring information about prescription and non-prescription treatment options. Unicity Balance is referenced as the first recommended course of treatment for the safe lowering of serum cholesterol.

• The Feel Great System Listed in the PDR: Why That Matters!
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Unicity Balance Fiber is Superior to other OTC fiber products

Unicity Balance is a great way to improve overall health because it avoids drugs that cause potentially harmful side effects. It is also more beneficial than over the counter (OTC) fiber supplements that "claim" to offer blood sugar and cholesterol benefits. 

• Metamucil Fiber vs. Unicity Balance Fiber Matrix: Which is Better?
• Benefiber vs. Unicity Balance Fiber Matrix: Which is Better?

For more information on Unicity Balance, visit:

• Unicity Balance: Healthy Glucose Support, Cholesterol & Weight Loss 
• FAQ: Unicity Balance Fiber Frequently Asked Questions 

Order Unicity Balance at the lowest discounted Wholesale Pricing and Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Unicity Balance.

Fiber Matrix Drink
1 Box | 60 Packets