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Biguanides for Type 2 Diabetes
Studies have shown that metformin:
- Was as effective as sulfonylurea medicines in reducing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.3
- Reduced the risk of complications from diabetes in people who were overweight. People who were overweight did not gain weight while taking metformin.4
People who have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may be able to keep their blood sugar levels within a target range by taking metformin. But even though metformin controls blood sugar levels for a longer period of time than sulfonylurea medicines, over time it may become less effective.
In studies, a combination of metformin and glyburide (Glucovance) caused a greater decrease in blood sugar levels than glyburide or metformin alone. Sometimes a combination of metformin and a sulfonylurea effectively controls blood sugar when a sulfonylurea medicine alone has not been effective.
People usually do not gain weight and may even lose a small amount of weight when taking metformin. (People taking sulfonylurea medicines or insulin may gain weight.)
Metformin is as effective in treating children with type 2 diabetes as it is in treating adults.2
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: June 9, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology | |
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