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Buy Metformin Online in Australia – But First, Let’s Have a Real Talk - Emerging Writers' Festival
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Broadly speaking, my main areas of interest are in fiction, review writing, and activism-related opinion writing. In terms of fiction, I’ve always enjoyed speculative fiction and how it can utilise the most imaginative aspects of storytelling. Recently, though, I’ve been exploring and come to really appreciate non-fiction and realistic stories as well – I’ve found it particularly powerful in sharing the stories of people outside the mainstream. Historical fiction walks the line between these two forms perfectly, so it’s an area I’m particularly interested in at present. Generally, I write at my desk at home; I don’t have a specific routine for writing beyond that, other than often doing it late at night!
I’ve had a few pieces of creative writing appear in small publications in the past, including SpineOut and Something with Bite. I’ve also written a few pieces for that reminds me, an online magazine of personal reflections on pop culture, and recently contributed an opinion piece to Right Now.
I’ve long enjoyed reading Voiceworks, so it would be great to have my work published there at some point. Being published in The School Magazine would also be incredible – I loved reading the stories, poetry and comics in there when I was in primary school and really admire its pieces and authors. Beyond that, I’m keen for any opportunities to share my writing.
What are you working on right now?
I’ve written a fair bit of non-fiction in the first half of this year, so at present, I’m aiming to focus on creative writing. I’m in the planning phase for a historical fiction piece, which I’m hesitant to say more about at this stage as it’s still fairly experimental. I’m also tossing around concepts for a few speculative short stories and long-form manuscripts, as I like to have many ideas to think about at once, to keep me excited.
What have you read recently?
A recent favourite was Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee, a Young Adult historical fiction novel about a fifteen-year-old girl from Chinatown attempting to follow her ambitions and dealing with the tragedy of the San Francisco earthquake in 1906. I fell in love with the humorous, emotional, and captivating narrative voice, and enjoyed being immersed in the characters’ lives and the vivid historical setting.
I’ve also been reading more non-fiction than usual recently, and found Her Father’s Daughter by Alice Pung incredibly moving; I loved her perceptions of growing into adulthood and her relationship with her parents, and though the portrayal of her father’s experience under the Cambodian genocide was confronting, it was also incredibly insightful and I’m so glad I read it.
What would you like to work on after your studies? What professional development would you like to receive?
After my studies, I’d like to continue what I’m doing now with writing: to continue learning and improving, and to focus on fiction but also to keep experimenting in other areas.
In terms of professional development, mentoring from more experienced writers in similar areas would be incredible. Whilst I always find general advice and workshops about the craft of writing useful, it’s with my own stories’ and pieces’ specific aspects that I have the most challenges with and learn the most from, so individual mentoring would help me a lot!
I’d also like to meet more writers (which I’m eager to do at EWF this year!) and find critique partners, which I know will be particularly useful once I have more fiction work under way!
Wendy Chen is a writer and student from New South Wales, with a focus on storytelling and humanitarian issues. She has been a youth ambassador for The Salvation Army since 2013, is Chinese-Australian, and has a particular passion for fiction, advocacy, and review writing. Her work has been published in SpineOut, Right Now and That Reminds Me.
Metformin in Australia: A Doctor’s Review of the First-Line Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Attention: If you’re over 30 and have been told your blood sugar is too high, or you’re already living with type 2 diabetes, you know the daily frustration. Constant tiredness, stubborn weight around the middle, blurry vision, thirst, and the nagging fear of heart, kidney, or nerve damage. You may feel like you’re fighting a losing battle with food, exercise, and glucose numbers. But here is what many Australians don’t realise: one medicine has been trusted by doctors for decades to change the course of type 2 diabetes — and it’s called metformin.
Interest: What Makes Metformin Different?
As a doctor in Australia, I want to explain clearly why metformin remains the most prescribed diabetes medicine. It is not a fad, not a new expensive injection, and not a medicine that works by pushing your pancreas to burn out. Instead, metformin works with your body to address the root problem of type 2 diabetes: insulin resistance and an overactive liver that releases too much glucose.
Metformin belongs to a class of medicines called biguanides. It is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and, where appropriate, in children aged 10 years and over. It is also listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which means it is affordable for most Australian patients.
Desire: How Metformin Helps You Take Control
Many patients over 30 tell me they want a treatment that actually works, does not cause weight gain, and does not make their blood sugar crash. Metformin ticks those boxes when used correctly. Below is a table of key facts every patient should know.
Key Question
Doctor’s Answer
How long does it take for metformin to work?
Metformin starts working within 48–72 hours to lower blood glucose. The full glucose-lowering effect is usually seen within 1–2 weeks. However, the best measure of diabetes control — your HbA1c — typically shows meaningful improvement after about 3 months of regular use.
What is the paediatric dose of metformin?
For children aged 10–16 years with type 2 diabetes, metformin is started at 500 mg once daily with the evening meal. The dose may be increased by 500 mg every 1–2 weeks as tolerated. The usual maximum paediatric dose is 2000 mg per day, divided into 2–3 doses. It should only be used under specialist supervision.
What is the TGA approval status of metformin?
Metformin is TGA-approved in Australia for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and children aged 10 years and over. Multiple brands are available, and it is subsidised on the PBS.
Is metformin recommended by the RACGP for type 2 diabetes?
Yes. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) recommends metformin as first-line pharmacotherapy for type 2 diabetes in adults, alongside diet and exercise, unless there is a contraindication such as severe kidney disease.
Metformin and Hepatic Glucose Production
One of the most important things to understand is how metformin lowers blood glucose — particularly your fasting morning readings. Your liver is like a sugar factory. In type 2 diabetes, this factory often works overtime, especially overnight, releasing too much glucose into your bloodstream. This is called hepatic glucose production.
Metformin calms this overactive liver. It reduces hepatic glucose production by activating an enzyme called AMPK. As a result, your fasting blood glucose falls, your insulin works more effectively, and your HbA1c improves. Best of all, because metformin does not force insulin secretion, it has a very low risk of hypoglycaemia when used alone. This is a huge relief for patients who fear dangerous sugar drops.
Managing the Most Common Side Effect: Diarrhoea
I hear this often: “Doctor, metformin gives me diarrhoea.” It is the most common side effect, but it is usually manageable. Here is what I recommend to my patients.
How to Stop or Reduce Diarrhoea from Metformin
Take metformin with or immediately after food. This slows absorption and reduces stomach upset.
Start low and go slow. Begin with 500 mg once daily. Increase the dose only every 1–2 weeks as your body adjusts.
Ask your doctor about the extended-release (XR) form. Metformin XR often causes less diarrhoea than immediate-release tablets.
Avoid very high-sugar or high-fat meals while your gut is adjusting.
Stay hydrated. Diarrhoea can cause fluid loss, so drink water regularly.
Do not stop the medicine abruptly. Talk to your GP. Often the diarrhoea settles within 2–4 weeks.
Allergic Reactions and When to See a Doctor
Serious allergic reactions to metformin are rare, but you must know what to do. If you develop hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or feel faint, stop metformin and call Triple Zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.
You should also see your doctor promptly if you experience any of the following side effects:
Severe or persistent diarrhoea or vomiting that stops you from eating or drinking
Signs of dehydration — very dry mouth, dizziness, little urine
Severe abdominal pain or muscle cramps
Unusual tiredness, weakness, or trouble breathing
Feeling cold, slow heartbeat, or confusion
These can be signs of a very rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis. It is extremely uncommon when metformin is used correctly and avoided in people with severe kidney or liver disease, but it is important to act quickly if symptoms appear.
Why Australian Doctors Keep Choosing Metformin
Your Pain Point
How Metformin Helps
High fasting blood glucose in the morning
Reduces hepatic glucose production overnight
Fear of weight gain from diabetes medication
Weight-neutral; may support modest weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes
Worry about dangerous hypoglycaemia
Very low risk of hypoglycaemia when used alone
Frustration with expensive treatments
PBS-subsidised and widely available at Australian pharmacies
Concern about long-term complications
Lowers HbA1c and has proven cardiovascular benefits in type 2 diabetes
Action: Take the Next Step Today
If you are over 30 and living with type 2 diabetes or high blood glucose, metformin may be the right foundation for your treatment. But remember, it is a prescription-only medicine, so the next step is a conversation with your GP.
Book a doctor’s appointment. Bring your blood glucose diary, recent HbA1c results, and a list of any other medicines you take. Ask your doctor: “Is metformin suitable for me?” If it is, you can take your prescription to any Australian pharmacy and buy metformin at a heavily subsidised PBS price. Start low, take it with food, and follow your GP’s instructions. Then monitor your blood glucose and keep your follow-up appointments.
Metformin has helped millions of people around the world take control of type 2 diabetes. With the right guidance, it can help you too. Don’t wait for another high reading or another worrying symptom. Talk to your doctor about metformin — and start building a healthier future today.
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