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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Jan 2023Metformin is the gold standard insulin sensitizer, which is widely used to treat insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, metformin may induce... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Metformin is the gold standard insulin sensitizer, which is widely used to treat insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, metformin may induce gastrointestinal side effects.
OBJECTIVE
Inositols have long been debated as a potential alternative for metformin in treating PCOS. Therefore, the present systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of inositols in treating PCOS.
METHODS
The present systematic search was performed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase from the inception until October 20th, 2021. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included women diagnosed with PCOS and compared any inositols with metformin or placebo. Our primary outcome was cycle normalization, whereas secondary outcomes were body mass index (BMI), parameters of carbohydrate metabolism and clinical and laboratory hyperandrogenism. Results are reported as risk ratios or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Twenty-six RCTs were identified, including data of 1691 patients (806 inositol, 311 with placebo, and 509 metformin groups). In patients treated with inositols, the risk (CI: 1.13; 2.85) of having a regular menstrual cycle was found by 1.79 higher than in the case of placebo. Moreover, the inositols showed non-inferiority compared to metformin in this outcome. In the case of BMI (MD = -0.45; CI: -0.89; -0.02), free testosterone (MD = -0,41, CI: -0.69; -0.13), total testosterone (MD = -20.39, CI: -40.12; -0.66), androstenedione (MD = -0.69, CI: -1,16; -0.22), glucose (MD = -3.14; CI: -5.75; -0.54) levels and AUC insulin (MD = -2081.05, CI: -2745.32; -1416.78) inositol treatment induced greater decrease compared to placebo. Inositol increased sex-hormone-binding globulin significantly compared to placebo (MD = 32.06, CI:1.27; 62.85).
CONCLUSION
Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in PCOS. Moreover, inositols showed non-inferiority in most outcomes compared to the gold standard treatment; metformin.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021283275.
Topics: Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Inositol; Hypoglycemic Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Metformin; Testosterone; Insulins
PubMed: 36703143
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01055-z -
Annals of Internal Medicine Jun 2016Clinicians and patients need updated evidence on the comparative effectiveness and safety of diabetes medications to make informed treatment choices. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Clinicians and patients need updated evidence on the comparative effectiveness and safety of diabetes medications to make informed treatment choices.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of monotherapy (thiazolidinediones, metformin, sulfonylureas, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 [DPP-4] inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 [SGLT-2] inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] receptor agonists) and selected metformin-based combinations in adults with type 2 diabetes.
DATA SOURCES
English-language studies from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, indexed from inception through March 2015 (MEDLINE search updated through December 2015).
STUDY SELECTION
Paired reviewers independently identified 179 trials and 25 observational studies of head-to-head monotherapy or metformin-based combinations.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two reviewers independently assessed study quality and serially extracted data and graded the strength of evidence.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Cardiovascular mortality was lower for metformin versus sulfonylureas; the evidence on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular morbidity, and microvascular complications was insufficient or of low strength. Reductions in hemoglobin A1c values were similar across monotherapies and metformin-based combinations, except that DPP-4 inhibitors had smaller effects. Body weight was reduced or maintained with metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and SGLT-2 inhibitors and increased with sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and insulin (between-group differences up to 5 kg). Hypoglycemia was more frequent with sulfonylureas. Gastrointestinal adverse events were highest with metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Genital mycotic infections were increased with SGLT-2 inhibitors.
LIMITATION
Most studies were short, with limited ability to assess rare safety and long-term clinical outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The evidence supports metformin as first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes, given its relative safety and beneficial effects on hemoglobin A1c, weight, and cardiovascular mortality (compared with sulfonylureas). On the basis of less evidence, results for add-on therapies to metformin were similar to those for monotherapies.
PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Topics: Adult; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cause of Death; Comparative Effectiveness Research; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Metformin
PubMed: 27088241
DOI: 10.7326/M15-2650 -
Annals of Oncology : Official Journal... Dec 2016Metformin use has been associated with a reduced risk of developing cancer and an improvement in overall cancer survival rates in meta-analyses, but, to date, evidence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Metformin use has been associated with a reduced risk of developing cancer and an improvement in overall cancer survival rates in meta-analyses, but, to date, evidence to support the use of metformin as an adjuvant therapy in individual cancer types has not been presented.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We systematically searched research databases, conference abstracts and trial registries for any studies reporting cancer outcomes for individual tumour types in metformin users compared with non-users, and extracted data on patients with early-stage cancer. Studies were assessed for design and quality, and a meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the adjuvant effect of metformin on recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), to inform future trial design.
RESULTS
Of 7670 articles screened, 27 eligible studies were identified comprising 24 178 participants, all enrolled in observational studies. In those with early-stage colorectal cancer, metformin use was associated with a significant benefit in all outcomes [RFS hazard ratio (HR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-0.85; OS HR 0.69, CI 0.58-0.83; CSS HR 0.58, CI 0.39-0.86]. For men with early-stage prostate cancer, metformin was associated with significant, or borderline significant, benefits in all outcomes (RFS HR 0.83, CI 0.69-1.00; OS HR 0.82, CI 0.73-0.93; CSS HR 0.58, CI 0.37-0.93); however, there was significant heterogeneity between studies. The data suggest that prostate cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy may benefit more from metformin (RFS HR 0.45, CI 0.29-0.70). In breast and urothelial cancer, no significant benefits were identified. Sufficient data were not available to conduct analyses on the impact of metformin dose and duration.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that metformin could be a useful adjuvant agent, with the greatest benefits seen in colorectal and prostate cancer, particularly in those receiving radical radiotherapy, and randomised, controlled trials which investigate dose and duration, alongside efficacy, are advocated.
Topics: Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Disease-Free Survival; Humans; Metformin; Neoplasm Staging; Neoplasms
PubMed: 27681864
DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw410 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Jan 2015To summarize short term outcomes in randomized controlled trials comparing glibenclamide or metformin versus insulin or versus each other in women with gestational... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To summarize short term outcomes in randomized controlled trials comparing glibenclamide or metformin versus insulin or versus each other in women with gestational diabetes requiring drug treatment.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Randomized controlled trials that fulfilled all the following: (1) published as full text; (2) addressed women with gestational diabetes requiring drug treatment; (3) compared glibenclamide v insulin, metformin v insulin, or metformin v glibenclamide; and (4) provided information on maternal or fetal outcomes.
DATA SOURCES
Medline, CENTRAL, and Embase were searched up to 20 May 2014.
OUTCOMES MEASURES
We considered 14 primary outcomes (6 maternal, 8 fetal) and 16 secondary (5 maternal, 11 fetal) outcomes.
RESULTS
We analyzed 15 articles, including 2509 subjects. Significant differences for primary outcomes in glibenclamide v insulin were obtained in birth weight (mean difference 109 g (95% confidence interval 35.9 to 181)), macrosomia (risk ratio 2.62 (1.35 to 5.08)), and neonatal hypoglycaemia (risk ratio 2.04 (1.30 to 3.20)). In metformin v insulin, significance was reached for maternal weight gain (mean difference -1.14 kg (-2.22 to -0.06)), gestational age at delivery (mean difference -0.16 weeks (-0.30 to -0.02)), and preterm birth (risk ratio 1.50 (1.04 to 2.16)), with a trend for neonatal hypoglycaemia (risk ratio 0.78 (0.60 to 1.01)). In metformin v glibenclamide, significance was reached for maternal weight gain (mean difference -2.06 kg (-3.98 to -0.14)), birth weight (mean difference -209 g (-314 to -104)), macrosomia (risk ratio 0.33 (0.13 to 0.81)), and large for gestational age newborn (risk ratio 0.44 (0.21 to 0.92)). Four secondary outcomes were better for metformin in metformin v insulin, and one was worse for metformin in metformin v glibenclamide. Treatment failure was higher with metformin than with glibenclamide.
CONCLUSIONS
At short term, in women with gestational diabetes requiring drug treatment, glibenclamide is clearly inferior to both insulin and metformin, while metformin (plus insulin when required) performs slightly better than insulin. According to these results, glibenclamide should not be used for the treatment of women with gestational diabetes if insulin or metformin is available.Systematic review registration NCT01998113.
Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Glyburide; Humans; Hypoglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents; Infant, Newborn; Insulin; Metformin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Regression Analysis
PubMed: 25609400
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.h102 -
JAMAMetformin is widely viewed as the best initial pharmacological option to lower glucose concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the drug is... (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Metformin is widely viewed as the best initial pharmacological option to lower glucose concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the drug is contraindicated in many individuals with impaired kidney function because of concerns of lactic acidosis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the risk of lactic acidosis associated with metformin use in individuals with impaired kidney function.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
In July 2014, we searched the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases for English-language articles pertaining to metformin, kidney disease, and lactic acidosis in humans between 1950 and June 2014. We excluded reviews, letters, editorials, case reports, small case series, and manuscripts that did not directly pertain to the topic area or that met other exclusion criteria. Of an original 818 articles, 65 were included in this review, including pharmacokinetic/metabolic studies, large case series, retrospective studies, meta-analyses, and a clinical trial.
RESULTS
Although metformin is renally cleared, drug levels generally remain within the therapeutic range and lactate concentrations are not substantially increased when used in patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rates, 30-60 mL/min per 1.73 m2). The overall incidence of lactic acidosis in metformin users varies across studies from approximately 3 per 100,000 person-years to 10 per 100,000 person-years and is generally indistinguishable from the background rate in the overall population with diabetes. Data suggesting an increased risk of lactic acidosis in metformin-treated patients with chronic kidney disease are limited, and no randomized controlled trials have been conducted to test the safety of metformin in patients with significantly impaired kidney function. Population-based studies demonstrate that metformin may be prescribed counter to prevailing guidelines suggesting a renal risk in up to 1 in 4 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus--use which, in most reports, has not been associated with increased rates of lactic acidosis. Observational studies suggest a potential benefit from metformin on macrovascular outcomes, even in patients with prevalent renal contraindications for its use.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Available evidence supports cautious expansion of metformin use in patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease, as defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate, with appropriate dosage reductions and careful follow-up of kidney function.
Topics: Acidosis, Lactic; Contraindications; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Metformin; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Risk
PubMed: 25536258
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2014.15298 -
BMC Psychiatry Oct 2016Most antipsychotics are associated with weight gain and other metabolic complications. Several randomized trials have shown metformin to be effective, but this still... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Most antipsychotics are associated with weight gain and other metabolic complications. Several randomized trials have shown metformin to be effective, but this still hasn't been included in clinical guidelines on managing antipsychotic induced weight gain.
METHODS
All double blind placebo controlled trials assessing the efficacy of metformin in the treatment of antipsychotic induced weight gain were included. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and MEDLINE were searched for the period January 2000-December 2015. Meta-analysis was carried out using the random effects model.
RESULTS
Meta analysis of 12 published studies with a total of 743 patients found that in patients treated with antipsychotics, metformin treatment resulted in significantly better anthropometric and metabolic parameters than placebo. The mean change in weight was -3.27 kg (95 % CI -4.66 to -1.89) (Z = 4.64, p < 0.001). Metformin compared to placebo resulted in significant reduction in BMI [-1.13 kg/m (95 % CI -1.61 to -0.66)] and insulin resistance index [-1.49 (95 % CI -2.40 to -0.59)] but not fasting blood sugar [-2.48 mg/dl (95 % CI -5.54 to 0.57].
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis confirms that metformin is effective in treating antipsychotic induced weight gain in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Metformin; Psychotic Disorders; Schizophrenia; Weight Gain
PubMed: 27716110
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-1049-5 -
Health Technology Assessment... Jan 2017Most people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, so initial treatment is aimed at reducing weight and increasing physical activity. Even modest weight loss can improve... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Most people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, so initial treatment is aimed at reducing weight and increasing physical activity. Even modest weight loss can improve control of blood glucose. If drug treatment is necessary, the drug of first choice is metformin. However, some people cannot tolerate metformin, which causes diarrhoea in about 10%, and it cannot be used in people with renal impairment. This review appraises three of the newest class of drugs for monotherapy when metformin cannot be used, the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.
OBJECTIVE
To review the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dapagliflozin (Farxiga, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Luton, UK), canagliflozin (Invokana, Janssen, High Wycombe, UK) and empagliflozin (Jardiance, Merck & Co., Darmstadt, Germany), in monotherapy in people who cannot take metformin.
SOURCES
MEDLINE (1946 to February 2015) and EMBASE (1974 to February 2015) for randomised controlled trials lasting 24 weeks or more. For adverse events, a wider range of studies was used. Three manufacturers provided submissions.
METHODS
Systematic review and economic evaluation. A network meta-analysis was carried out involving the three SGLT2 inhibitors and key comparators. Critical appraisal of submissions from three manufacturers.
RESULTS
We included three trials of dapagliflozin and two each for canagliflozin and empagliflozin. The trials were of good quality. The canagliflozin and dapagliflozin trials compared them with placebo, but the two empagliflozin trials included active comparators. All three drugs were shown to be effective in improving glycaemic control, promoting weight loss and lowering blood pressure (BP).
LIMITATIONS
There were no head-to-head trials of the different flozins, and no long-term data on cardiovascular outcomes in this group of patients. Most trials were against placebo. The trials were done in patient groups that were not always comparable, for example in baseline glycated haemoglobin or body mass index. Data on elderly patients were lacking.
CONCLUSIONS
Dapagliflozin, canagliflozin and empagliflozin are effective in improving glycaemic control, with added benefits of some reductions in BP and weight. Adverse effects are urinary and genital tract infections in a small proportion of users. In monotherapy, the three drugs do not appear cost-effective compared with gliclazide or pioglitazone, but may be competitive against sitagliptin (Januvia, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bracknell, UK).
FUNDING
The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
Topics: Benzhydryl Compounds; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Canagliflozin; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glucosides; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Models, Econometric; Quality of Life; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors
PubMed: 28105986
DOI: 10.3310/hta21020 -
Journal of Diabetes Research 2019To compare the efficacy and safety of metformin, glyburide, and insulin in treating gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To compare the efficacy and safety of metformin, glyburide, and insulin in treating gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to November 13, 2018, were searched for RCT adjusted estimates of the efficacy and safety of metformin, glyburide, and insulin treatments in GDM patients. There were 41 studies involving 7703 GDM patients which were included in this meta-analysis; 12 primary outcomes and 24 secondary outcomes were detected and analyzed. Compared with metformin, insulin had a significant increase in the risk of preeclampsia (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.72; < 0.001), NICU admission (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.87; < 0.001), neonatal hypoglycemia (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.66; < 0.001), and macrosomia (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.86; < 0.05). To the outcomes of birth weight and gestational age at delivery, insulin had a significant increase when compared with metformin (MD, 114.48; 95% CI, 37.32 to 191.64; < 0.01; MD, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.34; < 0.001; respectively). Of the two groups between glyburide and metformin, metformin had lower gestational weight gain compared with glyburide (MD, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.26 to 3.07; < 0.05). Glyburide had a higher risk of neonatal hypoglycemia compared with insulin (RR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.32 to 2.36; < 0.001). This meta-analysis found that metformin could be a safe and effective treatment for GDM. However, clinicians should pay attention on the long-term offspring outcomes of the relative data with GDM patients treated with metformin. Compared with insulin, glyburide had a higher increase of neonatal hypoglycemia. The use of glyburide in pregnancy for GDM women appears to be unclear.
Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Glyburide; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Metformin; Patient Safety; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 31781670
DOI: 10.1155/2019/9804708 -
Pharmacological Research Sep 2021Obesity is frequently a comorbidity of type 2 diabetes. Even modest weight loss can significantly improve glucose homeostasis and lessen cardiometabolic risk factors in...
INTRODUCTION
Obesity is frequently a comorbidity of type 2 diabetes. Even modest weight loss can significantly improve glucose homeostasis and lessen cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle-based weight loss strategies are not long-term effective. There is an increasing need to consider pharmacological approaches to assist weight loss in the so called diabesity syndrome. Aim of this review is to analyze the weight-loss effect of non-insulin glucose lowering drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic analysis of the literature on the effect of non-insulin glucose lowering drugs on weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes was performed. For each class of drugs, the following parameters were analyzed: kilograms lost on average, effect on body mass index and body composition.
RESULTS
Our results suggested that anti-diabetic drugs can be stratified into 3 groups based on their efficacy in weight loss: metformin, acarbose, empagliflozin and exenatide resulted in a in a mild weight loss (less than 3.2% of initial weight); canagliflozin, ertugliflozin, dapagliflozin and dulaglutide induces a moderate weight loss (between 3.2% and 5%); liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide resulted in a strong weight loss (greater than 5%).
CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that new anti-diabetic drugs, particularly GLP1-RA and Tirzepatide, are the most effective in inducing weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, exenatide appears to be the only GLP1-RA that induces a mild weight loss.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Obesity; Weight Loss
PubMed: 34302978
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105782 -
BMJ Open Nov 2017Explore the cost-effectiveness of lifestyle interventions and metformin in reducing subsequent incidence of type 2 diabetes, both alone and in combination with a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Explore the cost-effectiveness of lifestyle interventions and metformin in reducing subsequent incidence of type 2 diabetes, both alone and in combination with a screening programme to identify high-risk individuals.
DESIGN
Systematic review of economic evaluations.
DATA SOURCES AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Database searches (Embase, Medline, PreMedline, NHS EED) and citation tracking identified economic evaluations of lifestyle interventions or metformin alone or in combination with screening programmes in people at high risk of developing diabetes. The International Society for Pharmaco-economics and Outcomes Research's Questionnaire to Assess Relevance and Credibility of Modelling Studies for Informing Healthcare Decision Making was used to assess study quality.
RESULTS
27 studies were included; all had evaluated lifestyle interventions and 12 also evaluated metformin. Primary studies exhibited considerable heterogeneity in definitions of pre-diabetes and intensity and duration of lifestyle programmes. Lifestyle programmes and metformin appeared to be cost effective in preventing diabetes in high-risk individuals (median incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of £7490/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and £8428/QALY, respectively) but economic estimates varied widely between studies. Intervention-only programmes were in general more cost effective than programmes that also included a screening component. The longer the period evaluated, the more cost-effective interventions appeared. In the few studies that evaluated other economic considerations, budget impact of prevention programmes was moderate (0.13%-0.2% of total healthcare budget), financial payoffs were delayed (by 9-14 years) and impact on incident cases of diabetes was limited (0.1%-1.6% reduction). There was insufficient evidence to answer the question of (1) whether lifestyle programmes are more cost effective than metformin or (2) whether low-intensity lifestyle interventions are more cost effective than the more intensive lifestyle programmes that were tested in trials.
CONCLUSIONS
The economics of preventing diabetes are complex. There is some evidence that diabetes prevention programmes are cost effective, but the evidence base to date provides few clear answers regarding design of prevention programmes because of differences in denominator populations, definitions, interventions and modelling assumptions.
Topics: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Life Style; Metformin; Prediabetic State; Preventive Health Services; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 29146638
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017184