Metformin Therapy Center

The diabetes drug may have a beneficial effect on neurodegenerative diseases.

According to more than 200 studies involving 1.4 million patients, metformin reduces heart disease risk in diabetes patients more effectively than its competitors.

Female, 57 years of age, type 2 diabetes, metformin 1,000mg twice daily for 12 years, came in with weakness, anemia, tingling of fingers and toes. Her A1C had always been below 7%. Some in my office thought she had developed diabetic peripheral neuropathy. I could not disagree, but I also knew metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency.

Better understanding of drug’s mechanism of action can lead the way to new treatment options for heart disease in diabetes patients.

Woman, 67 years of age, newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with an A1C of 7.8%. Met with PCP who prescribed metformin ER and referred patient for diabetes education. Patient made some dietary and physical activity changes at first, but upon return visit her A1C was 8.5%. She reported she did not take the metformin. “I can’t swallow big pills. The bottle said not to crush or break the tablets. They were just too big to swallow. So then I just gave up on everything.”

Metformin, sulfonylureas, and insulin studied in type 2 patients.

Current black box warning may be overstating the kidney risk.

Evidence shows cardio-protective ability beyond glucose-lowering mechanism of action.

New study suggests triple therapy improves glycemic control.

Combination does not alter myocardial infarction, hospitalization risks.