Metformin added to insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus – based on literature and own experience

Ewa Otto-Buczkowska
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Medical Specialist Centre in Gliwice, Gliwice, Poland

Abstract

Insulin administration is the primary therapy for type I diabetes mellitus (TIDM). Current availa-ble insulin therapies do not successfully enable patients with TIDM to reach glycemic goals without side effects such as hypoglycemia and weight gain. Type 1 diabetes is recognised to include an element of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is an independent risk factor for the development of macro- and microvascular complications of Type 1 diabetes and may also contribute to the development of the dis-ease. Metformin is a commonly prescribed oral hypoglycaemic agent used to treat type 2 diabetes melli-tus. Addition of metformin to insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus improves metabolic con-trol. Metformin acts by promoting glucose utilization and reducing hepatic glucose production. In type 1 diabetes, addition of metformin to insulin therapy, to improve insulin sensitivity, reduces insulin-dose requirement. Metformin can contribute towards improving glycaemic control in patients with TIDM.
 

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