Metformin for prevention of type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate evidence from the medical literature that metformin is effective in preventing type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
Primary literature was accessed via a MEDLINE search (1966-December 2003) using the terms metformin, type 2 diabetes, and prevention.


RESULTS
Two studies evaluated metformin's potential to prevent type 2 diabetes, finding that metformin maintained or reduced fasting blood glucose in non-diabetics. Recently, a large study by the Diabetes Prevention Program showed that metformin may reduce the incidence of diabetes. Researchers compared lifestyle changes, metformin therapy, and placebo groups. They found that both lifestyle changes (58%) and metformin therapy (31%) significantly reduced the occurrence of type 2 diabetes versus placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
These studies provide evidence that metformin may reduce the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. Because long-term efficacy has not been determined, further studies are needed.
Hess
Aleda M
AM
Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH 45810-9989, USA.
Sullivan
Donald L
DL
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin