In a nutshell
This study compared the outcomes of metformin (Glucophage) versus insulin treatment in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The authors showed that metformin was a safe and effective alternative to insulin treatment in women with GDM.
Some background
GDM is a type of diabetes defined by an increase in blood sugar levels during pregnancy. GDM is associated with an increased risk for complications during pregnancy, delivery, and for the baby. Women with GDM are typically treated initially with diet and exercise. If that does not work, insulin therapy is often used. However, insulin therapy can be associated with side-effects such as weight gain and an increased risk of hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar levels). Metformin is a drug used as first-line treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods & findings
The authors of this paper looked at 160 women with GDM who were between 20 and 34 weeks pregnant and unable to effectively treat their GDM with diet and exercise alone. 80 women received metformin treatment and the other 80 received insulin. The authors showed that most of the effects on the mother and the baby were similar in both the metformin and insulin treated groups. Babies delivered by a metformin treated mother typically weighed less. The mothers in the metformin group also gained less weight.
The bottom line
In summary, this study suggests that metformin may be used as a safe and effective alternative to insulin treatment for women with GDM.
The fine print
It should be noted that while metformin was effective, 14% of women needed to take insulin in addition to metformin in order to bring blood sugar levels down. The study also recruited a small number of participants and did not include long-term follow-up.
What’s next?
If you have been diagnosed with GDM, you may want to talk to your doctor about receiving metformin treatment.
Published By :
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
Date :
Oct 12, 2012
