Diabetes Drug Controls Blood Sugar
Reported July 21, 2005
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — New research from Spain confirms the drug metformin should be included in the first line of defense against type 2 diabetes.
A review of 29 studies found metformin alone can improve the control of blood glucose, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease like excess body weight, cholesterol levels, and hypertension. It also confirms adverse effects of metformin, mainly on the digestive tract, are not life-threatening. The research compared the benefits of the drug to placebo, dietary changes, other oral medications and insulin therapy.
The review authors say, “In overweight type 2 diabetics, intensive metformin shows more benefit than [other drugs] or insulin therapy, for reducing the risk for any clinical end point related to type 2 diabetes, all-cause mortality and stroke.”
According to the American Diabetes Association, two out of three diabetics die from heart disease and stroke. The disease takes a severe toll on blood vessels, especially when it’s combined with other cardiovascular risk factors.
Metformin was first available in Europe in 1979. It was not approved for use in the United States until 1994 because of concerns about a potentially fatal complication called lactid acidosis.
SOURCE: The Cochrane Library, published online July 29,2005