This article originally posted 16 January, 2007 and appeared in Issue 347
Adding Metformin in Type 1 Diabetes Improves Glucose Control
Study shows that adding metformin for type 1 diabetes can improve QOL, insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in overweight adults with T1DM.
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As many overweight people with T1DM are insulin resistant, adjuvant therapy
with insulin sensitizing agents, such as metformin, may be beneficial. This
study evaluated the effect of adjuvant metformin in T1DM on insulin sensitivity,
diabetic control, body composition, quality of life (QOL) and treatment satisfaction.
A 3-month prospective open-labeled pilot study of 16 patients aged 18-40 with
T1DM and body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m(2) was performed. The patients received
500-850 mg metformin twice daily. Insulin sensitivity, assessed by a frequently
sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test, body composition, HbA(1c) and quality
of life (QOL) were measured before and after treatment.
A retrospective review of 30 patients with T1DM treated with metformin for
at least 4 months was also performed. BMI, HbA(1c) and insulin requirements
during metformin treatment was compared to pre-metformin data, and to patients
treated with insulin only.
The results showed that, insulin sensitivity increased significantly from 0.86
+/- 0.33 x 10(-4)/min/(microU/ml) to 1.17 +/- 0.48 x 10(-4)/min/(microU/ml)
after 3 months adjuvant therapy (p = 0.043). This was associated with a decreased
insulin requirement and mean daily blood glucose. There were no significant
changes in HbA(1c) or body composition. QOL significantly improved (p < 0.002).
The retrospective review revealed an initial reduction in HbA(1c) (0.8 +/- 1.4%,
p = 0.001). This effect diminished with prolonged treatment. BMI decreased in
patients remaining on metformin for a 2-year period (0.5 +/- 0.5kg/m(2), p =
0.042).
From the results it was concluded that, adjuvant metformin can improve QOL,
insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in overweight adults with T1DM.
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Warm liquids can help ease a sore throat. The January issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s
HealthSource
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