[Metformin role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in 2008].
Treatment of type 2 diabetes includes lifestyle adaptations and drug treatment with the recent availability of many new substances. Metformin is the best first option at present due to its efficacy, its neutral effect on weight, its security profile and its cost. In addition, metformin can be associated with any other antidiabetic agent. Sulfonylureas remain the best choice for combination with metformin although their effectiveness on glucose control decrease with time more rapidly compared with glitazones. The GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) analogues and DPP-4 (di-peptidyl-peptidase-4) inhibitors are effective but need long-term evaluation of their security profile. Insulin can be used when the different oral options have failed.
Spada
A
A
Service d'endocrinologie, diabétologie et nutrition, HUG, 1211 Genève 14. Alessandra.Spada@hcuge.ch
Philippe
J
J
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008687:Metformin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin