title: Double-blind evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of metformin in NIDDM.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To test the efficacy and tolerability of metformin.
  
  
  METHODS
  An 8-mo double-blind placebo-controlled parallel-group trial was performed at University hospital diabetic clinics on 60 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) treated by diet alone. Metformin was administered and built up to a maximum dosage of 1 g three times daily.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean HbA1 fell from 11.7 +/- 0.4 to 10.3 +/- 0.4% (means +/- SE) on metformin but rose from 11.8 +/- 0.4 to 13.3 +/- 0.4% on placebo (P less than 0.001). Final mean fasting blood glucose was 5.1 mM lower with metformin than placebo (P less than 0.001). No other biochemical variable differed significantly, and weight did not change. A favorable glycemic response was not restricted to the obese. The mean final dosage of metformin was 1.7 +/- 0.1 g and was well tolerated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Metformin achieved a 23% lower mean HbA1 than placebo without weight gain or significant unwanted effects.
authors.affiliation: Nottingham University and City Hospitals, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Dornan
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Heller
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Peck
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Tattersall
mesh_terms: D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008687:Metformin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D008687:Metformin