Evaluation of the Vasoprotective Effects of Metformin versus Glibenclamide in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Adiponectin (APN) is an adipokine with anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties decreased in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that may influence endothelial function by regulating serum nitric oxide (NO) levels. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of two oral hypoglycemic drugs, Metformin and Glibenclamide (GLC), on circulating APN and NO levels and to find a correlation between APN and NO levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Fifty males and females previously diagnosed with T2DM were conducted in this trial and classified into groups: Group A involved 18 untreated patients with T2DM, group B involved 16 patients receiving Metformin monotherapy (1000 mg/day) for up to 1 year and group C involved 16 patients receiving GLC (5 mg/day) for up to 1 year. Circulating APN and NO were measured. Compared to GLC, Metformin therapy showed a significant increase in APN and NO levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Our findings established that Metformin has a protective effect on endothelial function, including increased APN and NO bioavailability, beyond its glucose-lowering effect.