Metformin versus Insulin for the Treatment of Gestational Diabetes

This open-label trial compared insulin with metformin (with supplemental insulin if required) for the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus. The rates of neonatal complications were similar in the two groups, and more women in the metformin group than in the insulin group reported that they would choose their assigned treatment again. These results provide support for the use of metformin as initial treatment for gestational diabetes in women who require pharmacologic therapy. This trial compared insulin with metformin for the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus. These results provide support for the use of metformin as initial treatment for gestational diabetes in women who require pharmacologic therapy. Gestational diabetes is a complication in about 5% of pregnancies, is increasing in prevalence, and is associated with complications to the pregnancy and a long-term risk of diabetes in both mother and offspring. 1 – 5 Intervention to change lifestyle and, if maternal hyperglycemia persists, treatment with additional insulin have been shown to improve perinatal outcomes. 6 , 7 Women who begin insulin therapy require education to ensure the safe administration of insulin. Use of insulin is also associated with hypoglycemia and weight gain. The use of safe and effective oral agents may offer advantages over insulin. Oral metformin is a logical option for . . .