Hi BW

Metformin's main use is for diabetics, but that's to sort out diet-controlled type IIs usually. A slightly less common use is for PCOS - it can be used without PCOS to look after weight, but that is an unlicenced use. Metformin will not give you diabetes, it's just a drug that can be used with two conditions. I think it works because it converts some androgens or something. Hmm, will have to read up a bit today at work.

Most people have no side-effects (according to the literature) and I think there are no diet/tablet restrictions with it, but it's always worth checking with your doctor or pharmacist before you take anything anyway.