[Metformin also as first choice in patients with normal weight. Has its use increased?].
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether the release of the new consensus algorithms in August 2006, along with the consensus recommendation of also using metformin as first choice in patients with normal weight, has led to an increase in the use of this drug in the period immediately after.


METHODS
Retrospective longitudinal Study. SITES: Santiago de Compostela Health District (A Coruña).


METHODS
Users of the Galician health service in the Santiago de Compostela Health District.


METHODS
The evolution of the monthly number of DHD (Daily Defined Doses/1000 inhabitants/day) of metformin from early 2003 until 12 months after the issuing of new algorithms was analysed graphically and using a multiple regression model.


RESULTS
The graphical representation of the DHD of metformin over time shows a linear growth for the period, but there is an increasing trend after the publication of the new consensus algorithm. The multiple regression showed that the increase is statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Following the publication of the new consensus algorithm an increasing trend in the use of metformin is observed in the short term.
Carracedo-Martínez
Eduardo
E
Area Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Servicio Gallego de Salud, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, España. eduardo.carracedo.martinez@sergas.es
Pia-Morandeira
Agustin
A
D001835:Body Weight; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin