Metformin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. Metformin is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glucophage (metformin) is also available in a time release formulation; Glucophage XR, and this formulation may be better (less risk of diarrhea) There are other medications that can be used for PCOS/infertility including Avandia and Actos - two other medications that help with similar mechanism (improving the insulin resistance) to Glucophage. Metformin is often prescribed to be taken alongside other diabetes medicine. This may include medication like sulphonylureas and insulin. When people with diabetes take Metformin alongside other diabetes medication they should be monitored closely by their doctor. Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Metformin is used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). If metformin is not working for you or if you develop bothersome side effects from the medication, talk to your healthcare provider about trying some of the alternatives to metformin. There are several alternatives to metformin for type 2 diabetes, including lifestyle changes, other oral diabetes medications, and insulin. Uses. Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products.