Diabetologia - Special Issue: Metformin
To mark the 60th anniversary of the first clinical use of metformin for diabetes, Diabetologia has commissioned a series of articles on the many evolving (and controversial) aspects of metformin use. To begin, a historical overview is provided by Clifford Bailey, followed by an outline of the mechanisms of action by Rena et al. Sanchez-Rangel and Inzucchi go on to present data for the efficacy and safety of metformin in type 2 diabetes, for which it is the first-line therapy. In contrast, Livingstone and colleagues discuss its use in type 1 diabetes and Aroda et al present findings for its potential use for diabetes prevention. Griffin et al investigate the association between metformin and cardiovascular disease risk by conducting a meta-analysis, whilst Sam and Ehrmann and Lindsay and Loeken discuss its use in polycystic ovary syndrome and pregnancy, respectively. Metformin therapy in the ageing population is reviewed by Valencia et al, and Michael Pollak confers the non-glycaemic effects of metformin, suggesting a role for the human microbiota/gut metabolome and the immune system. Another emerging area of interest, the impact of metformin on cancer incidence and mortality, is covered by Heckman-Stoddard et al. Finally, to address the heterogeneity in response to metformin therapy, Jose Florez advises how a personalised approach may be achieved using genetic studies. In summary, this review series demonstrates how metformin shows promise in many conditions, but how long can this drug remain at the top spot?
Cover image credit: Picture Partners / Alamy Stock Photo
60 years of metformin use: a glance at the past and a look to the future (this opens in a new tab). Sally M. Marshall.
Metformin: historical overview (this opens in a new tab). Clifford J. Bailey.
The mechanisms of action of metformin (this opens in a new tab). Graham Rena, D. Grahame Hardie & Ewan R. Pearson.
Metformin: clinical use in type 2 diabetes (this opens in a new tab). Elizabeth Sanchez-Rangel & Silvio E. Inzucchi.
A new perspective on metformin therapy in type 1 diabetes (this opens in a new tab). Rachel Livingstone, James G. Boyle & John R. Petrie.
Metformin for diabetes prevention: insights gained from the Diabetes Prevention Program/Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (this opens in a new tab). Vanita R. Aroda, William C. Knowler, Jill P. Crandall, et al.
Metformin use in pregnancy: promises and uncertainties (this opens in a new tab). Robert S. Lindsay & Mary R. Loeken.
Impact of metformin on cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of randomised trials among people with type 2 diabetes (this opens in a new tab). Simon J. Griffin, James K. Leaver & Greg J. Irving.
Metformin and ageing: improving ageing outcomes beyond glycaemic control (this opens in a new tab). Willy Marcos Valencia, Ana Palacio, Leonardo Tamariz, et al.
Repurposing metformin for the prevention of cancer and cancer recurrence (this opens in a new tab). Brandy M. Heckman-Stoddard, Andrea DeCensi, Vikrant V. Sahasrabuddhe, et al.
The pharmacogenetics of metformin (this opens in a new tab). Jose C. Florez.
Metformin therapy for the reproductive and metabolic consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome (this opens in a new tab). Susan Sam & David A. Ehrmann.
The effects of metformin on gut microbiota and the immune system as research frontiers (this opens in a new tab). Michael Pollak.