Metformin

Metformin (dimethylbiguanide) is an orally administered drug used to lower blood glucose concentrations in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).1 It improves insulin sensitivity and thus decreases the insulin resistance that is prevalent in NIDDM. The efficacy of glycemic control achieved with metformin is similar to that achieved with sulfonylureas, although their modes of action differ. Metformin can be used either as initial therapy or as an additional drug when sulfonylurea therapy alone is inadequate. In this article we shall discuss the pharmacology and clinical use of metformin, which is now available in the United States.The Burden of Non-Insulin-Dependent . . .