This article is from the WebMD News Archive
Metformin Gets Highest Marks in Diabetes Study
Analysis Suggests Metformin Should Be First-Line Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
Reviewed by
Laura J. Martin, MD
March 14, 2011 -- The drug metformin should be considered as a first choice for blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.
In type 2 diabetes, the body cannot use its own insulin effectively to maintain blood sugar within normal levels. Medication is usually needed keep it under control.
Metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet) is one of the most widely prescribed diabetes drugs in the U.S.
There are 11 classes of drugs approved to help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes; nine of these classes are relatively new and have been introduced since 1995.
Risks vs. Benefits
Researchers say most adults with type 2 diabetes use more than one class of diabetes drugs to achieve optimal blood sugar control, and up-to-date comparisons of the benefits vs. the risks of these new drugs are necessary.
In their review, researchers looked at more than 160 studies on the benefits vs. risks of various diabetes drugs and drug combinations. The results showed metformin, both on its own and in combination with other medications, had the best benefit-to-risk profile in controlling blood sugar.
“Although the long-term benefits and harms of diabetes medications remains unclear, the evidence supports the use of metformin as a first-line agent,” write researcher Wendy L. Bennett of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and colleagues in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The review also showed that a comparison of various two-drug treatment combinations did not clearly show that one specific combination was more beneficial than the others.
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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