Metformin

Article Abstract:

Metformin may be useful in treating patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). A 1995 clinical trial demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of metformin. In the first part of the trial, metformin was more effective than a placebo in controlling blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin values in NIDDM patients. In the second part, metformin and glyburide were more effective than either of the drugs alone in managing NIDDM. Another 1995 study showed that metformin decreases glucose production and output in the liver and lowers fasting blood glucose levels. This metabolic study and data from other countries suggest that metformin should not cause lactic acidosis in patients with normal kidney function and proper oxygen levels in their blood. Metformin fills an important role in treating NIDDM patients whose diabetes is not controlled by diet or sulfonylurea drugs. However, weight reduction is still a vital part of managing NIDDM in overweight patients.

Editorial, Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Glucophage (Medication)

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Efficacy of metformin in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Article Abstract:

Metformin alone or in combination with sulfonylurea drugs may be effective in controlling blood sugar and lipid levels in people with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). A group of 289 people whose diabetes was not controlled by diet were randomly assigned to take metformin or placebo. After 29 weeks, the average fasting plasma glucose level dropped 52 to 189 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) in the metformin group and increased 6 to 244 mg/dl in the placebo group. Another group of 632 people whose diabetes was not controlled by diet or sulfonylurea drugs were randomly assigned to take metformin and the sulfonylurea drug glyburide, metformin only or glyburide only. After 29 weeks, the average fasting plasma glucose level decreased 63 mg/dl in the combination drug group, increased 14 mg/dl in the glyburide group, and decreased 1 mg/dl in the metformin group. Side effects in both trials included diarrhea and nausea.

Health aspects, Sulfonylurea compounds, Sulfonylureas

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Metabolic effects of metformin in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Article Abstract:

Metformin appears to control blood glucose in people with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) by reducing the production of glucose by the liver and increasing the breakdown of glucose and lactate throughout the body. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 10 obese people with NIDDM before and after a 16-week course of metformin. Metformin reduced the average fasting blood glucose level from 220 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) to 155 mg/dl, and reduced average glycosylated hemoglobin values from 13.2% to 10.5%. The average rate of glucose turnover in the blood decreased from 2.8 to 2.0 mg/kilogram of body weight/minute. The conversion of lactate to glucose decreased in all the diabetics. They lost an average of 2.7 kilograms during the treatment, primarily through a loss of adipose tissue.

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