Clinical efficacy and safety of metformin in prediabetics

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Shizma Junejo

Bahria University, Karachi

: Endocrinol Diabetes Res

Abstract

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Background: Prediabetes is defined as a state of abnormal glucose homeostasis but not as high as those required for diagnosis of diabetes. Prediabetes is diagnosed by HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4% and fasting blood glucose 100 mg/dl to 125mg/dl. Mainstay of treatment in prediabetes is lifestyle changes. However if not controlled pharmacotherapy is added. Metformin HCl is a biguanide drug. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of metformin HCl in pre-diabetics. Study Design: This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) registered at clinicaltrials.gov. Study Setting: Diabetic clinics of National Medical Centre and Bay View Hospital Karachi . Study Duration:Individual study duration was 3 months. Methodology: Males and females, 17-40 years of age as per ADA 2010 and ISPAD 2018 criteria, were enrolled following ERC and FRC approval. Written informed consent was taken and the subjects along with advice of lifestyle modification, diet control and exercise were given tablet metformin HCl, 500 mg orally BD for 12 weeks. Anthropometric parameters were evaluated at baseline, week 6 and 12. Metabolic (HbA1c, FBG, lipid profile) and safety profile parameters (CBC, SGOT, serum creatinine) were evaluated at baseline and week 12. Adverse effects were assessed at 6 and 12 week whereas cost effectiveness at the end of study. Results: Majority of participants were in age group 32 to 40 years. The reduction in weight, HBA1c, FBS was highly significant, HDL was significantly increased and safety profile parameters showed non-significant results from baseline to week 12. No adverse effect was reported and metformin was found to be very cost effective. Conclusion: Metformin is clinically effective as exhibited by reduction in weight & metabolic parameters and increase in HDL. It is found to be safe for the dose and duration used with no adverse effects in the prediabetics. Metformin is very cost effective.

Biography

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Dr.Shizma Junejo has done MBBS from Dow Medical College and MSc Clinical Nutrition from Roehampton Uni versity London. She is working as Senior Lecturer Pharmacology Department in Bahria University Health Sciences Campus, Karachi. She has immense interest in medical nutrition therapy and pharmacology. Food security, diseases related to obesity and nutritional supplements constitute her key interest. She is very disciplined , hardworking and values