(Journal Article): "Low Dose" Metformin Improves Hyperglycemia Better Than Acarbose in Type 2 Diabetics
 
Yajima K, Shimada A, Hirose H, Kasuga A, Saruta T (Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan, asmd(at)st.itc.keio.ac.jp )
 
IN: Rev Diabetic Stud 2004; 1(2):89-94
Impact Factor(s) of Rev Diabetic Stud: 0.125 (2006)

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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES: "High dose" metformin therapy (2,550 mg/day) is reported to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients with obesity (body mass index (BMI) >= 30). Some have reported that metformin therapy, even in low doses (500-750 mg/day), improves glycemic control in non-obese type 2 diabetic patients (BMI approximately 25). However, it is unclear whether "low dose" metformin improves glycemic control better than acarbose in non-obese type 2 diabetic patients, which has been shown to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes with obesity. METHODS: We randomly divided 22 non-obese type 2 diabetic patients (mean BMI approximately 25) into two groups (A=11, B=11). Group A was treated with "low dose" metformin (500-750 mg/day) for 3 months, and switched to acarbose (150-300 mg/day) for another 3 months. Group B was treated with acarbose first, and then switched to "low dose" metformin. RESULTS: "Low dose" metformin significantly decreased the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c level in both groups A and B, whereas acarbose decreased HbA1c levels in group B but not in group A. Overall, "low dose" metformin significantly decreased HbA1c (p=0.0165) levels as compared to acarbose. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, "low dose" metformin therapy improved glycemic control better than acarbose in non-obese diabetics.

TYPE OF PUBLICATION: Original article

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