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"Our review confirms that tight glycemic control with metformin monotherapy is one of the main therapeutic options in the type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with overweight or obesity," they say. In addition, they confirm that the adverse effects of metformin, mainly on the digestive tract, are not life-threatening. Metformin first became available in Europe in 1979, but was not cleared for use in the United States until 1994 due to concerns about a potentially fatal complication called lactic acidosis. Diabetes takes a severe toll on blood vessels throughout the body, especially when combined with other cardiovascular risk factors. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease and stroke, according to the American Diabetes Association.

"Diabetes management is more than control of blood glucose," advises the American Diabetes Association. "People with diabetes must also manage blood pressure and cholesterol and talk to their health provider to learn about other ways to reduce their chance for heart attacks and stroke."

The review notes that Dr. Saenz received an evidence-based health care award funded by Novartis, the manufacturer of metformin, but that the company did not have any influence on the review process or conclusions.

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Contact: Antonio Saenz
antoniosaenz@ya.com
Center for the Advancement of Health
19-Jul-2005