metformin hydrochloride 500 mg is a prescription medication primarily used to manage high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works in a few ways to help control blood sugar:

• Reduces glucose absorption: Metformin helps decrease the amount of glucose (sugar) your body absorbs from your intestines after you eat or drink.
• Lowers liver glucose production: It also helps regulate your liver's production of glucose, preventing it from making too much.
• Improves insulin sensitivity: Metformin can improve your body's sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that helps your cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy.

Important to note:

• Metformin is typically used in combination with diet and exercise for effective diabetes management.
• It doesn't directly convert to insulin and wouldn't be suitable for treating type 1 diabetes.

While not as common, metformin may also be prescribed for:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): In some cases, it can help regulate blood sugar levels and ovulation in women with PCOS.