Abstract

CRESPO HERRERA, Sonia. Metformin, 50 years of use: Effectiveness, tolerance, security and new indications. Rev Cient Cienc Méd [online]. 2009, vol.12, n.2, pp.23-25. ISSN 1817-7433.

Metformin began to be used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in 1957 in Europe and 1995 in EE. UU. He is currently the most frequently prescribed oral anti-hyperglycaemic worldwide. In 1998, the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study demonstrated antiatherogenic effects of metformin and later discovered that improved many components of insulin resistance syndrome (metabolic syndrome). The U.S. Diabetes Prevention Program demonstrated the potential of metformin in preventing diabetes. Its efficacy, safety, multiple cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, and the ability to be used in combination with all other antidiabetic agents, including insulin, metformin has made in the first line oral drug for the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. In recent years evidence has surfaced to indicate metformin in nondiabetic patients, primarily those with metabolic syndrome, glucose intolerant and women seeking a pregnancy and suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. It could also improve the clinical characteristics of insulin resistant states, apart from type 2 diabetes. Its role in cancer prevention could be another of the developments of metformin in the future. The objective of this review is to update on the new guidelines of the drug.

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