IS METFORMIN SAFE ENOUGH FOR AGING TYPE-2 DIABETIC-PATIENTS

We assessed the effect of adding low doses of metformin to sulfonylure a therapy in 76 elderly Type 2 diabetic patients by monitoring glycaem ic control and blood lactate for one year. Metformin markedly improved glycaemic control. Fasting lactate concentrations were not affected a nd post-meal lactate peaks were minimally increased. Additional benefi ts included an improvement in some lipid parameters, a reduction in se rum uric acid and a significant weight loss in overweight patients. Me tformin was clinically well-tolerated. Instead of advanced age alone, renal function and/or any other age-related factor likely to contribut e to lactate overproduction should be the basis for deciding on metfor min therapy. No evidence indicated that metformin should be denied << a priori >> to ageing Type 2 diabetic patients.