METFORMIN MONOTHERAPY FOR TYPE-II DIABETES

In addition to controlling hyperglycemia, primary goals in treating pa tients with type II diabetes include relieving symptoms, diminishing c omplications and disorders that predispose to mortality, and improving quality of life. Following initiation of dietary and lifestyle modifi cations, drug therapy may be warranted to achieve adequate control of hyperglycemia. Until recently, sulfonylureas were the only first-line oral agents available in the United States. Unwanted effects such as h ypoglycemia, weight gain, and increased fasting insulin levels have so metimes been associated with sulfonylureas, however. The biguanide met formin min is an alternative oral first-line therapy for type II diabe tes. With a mechanism of action distinct from that of the sulfonylurea s, metformin improves glucose intolerance without stimulating insulin release or causing hypoglycemia. Additional benefits associated with m etformin include a favorable influence on body weight and plasma lipid profiles. Metformin is an important first-line alternative agent for patients with type II diabetes.