title: Initiating oral anti diabetic drug: alternatives to metformin.
abstract: While most published articles on oral anti diabetic therapy approve of metformin, few discuss what should be done if metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated. This article defines metformin intolerance, and discusses various pharmacological options available for persons with type 2 diabetes who cannot take metformin and do not accept/require insulin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, Bharti Hospital & BRIDE, Karnal, India.
authors.forename: Sanjay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kalra
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Government Medical College, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Yashdeep
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gupta
mesh_terms: D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D065089:Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D008687:Metformin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018579:Patient Selection; D013453:Sulfonylurea Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D035703:Therapies, Investigational / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D065089:Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D013453:Sulfonylurea Compounds; D008687:Metformin
keywords: Metformin intolerance, type 2 diabetes, sulfonylureas, alpha glucosidase inhibitors, pioglitazone, SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP4 inhibitors.