METFORMIN AND HEMOSTATIC VARIABLES IN TYPE-II NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS

This study assessed the effects of metformin on the main haemostatic v ariables and lipid pattern in 30 Type II non-insulin dependent diabeti c patients. The 12-week study was designed to separate the haemostatic and Lipid effects from the metformin-induced drop in plasma glucose, circulating insulin and C-peptide which were maintained constant throu ghout the study period. Metformin reduced LDL- and increased HDL-chole sterol levels, but had no other significant effect on the other Lipid parameters. Significant reductions in PAI-1 activity, beta-TG and PF4 were observed; none correlated with changes in the Lipid pattern. Thes e data suggest that metformin improves some haemostatic variables inde pendently of its effect on metabolic control.