Metformin (also known as the brand Glucophage) does help. I take 2 x 500g, and after 1 yr 3 months or so, I have no discernable side effects. My doc put me on 2 x 1000mg to start with, but not only did I have the usual gastric problems, but my hair started falling out at a shocking rate! I have lost 17 kg within the first 5 months after diagnosis, which was not a good idea as it affected my skin, my face -- and probably my hair as well! Haven't gained back anything, but it's probably due to my diet and not Metformin.
No, Metformin does not protect against "certain cancers". Don't know where the poster got that idea from. Also, you need to take extra Vit B12 with Metformin, as the tablet tends to prevent the absorption of this vitamin in the gut. In fact, you need to take adequate magnesium and a strong B Complex daily. And 2 x 1000 mg Omega 3 capsules is not a bad idea.
It's also NOT good for the heart, as some believe. No chemical pill like this is going to be "good for you"!!
Main thing (well, that's what I found) is to cut out carbs. My blood glucose levels seem to be very "sensitive" to wheat/grain products, so I eat almost no bread, certainly no cereals, no cake, cookies, biscuits, whatever is made with grains. It makes my BG shoot up.
Some brown rice doesn't seem to affect my BG much, neither does potatoes in moderation, even chips.
I have wine with my (main) evening meal. This definitely helps keep the BG down, but I am not advocating an alcoholic lifestyle! Everything in moderation.
I do not think my diet is very balanced, but it works for me: almost no fruits (too much sugar), and I have forgotten what dessert and cake taste like! I do not cut down on fats, because it makes you feel fuller and does not affect BG's. I do not mean I eat a fatty diet. I only mean I eat food as it comes, without counting fat calories.
What does worry me greatly is this problem that diabetes grows worse over time! I could really live without that.
I don't know right now what my A1C is, as I am due for blood tests. Five months ago it was 6.1%, which did not make me happy, as I had it down to 5.7% and 5.8%. I have a horrible feeling it's going to be over that magic number this time ...