Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes

A group of researchers in Spain recently performed a meta-analysis, or a systematic review, of 29 studies that investigated metformin's effectiveness when compared to other oral medications, insulin, or dietary changes.

They found metformin used as a single therapy was the best first-line treatment for controlling blood glucose long-term, especially for overweight patients.

Metformin (Brand name: Glucophage) was approved by the FDA for use in type 2 diabetes in December, 1994. A generic form became available in January 2002.

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For a summary of the study:
Diabetes drug controls blood glucose, cardiac risk

For the study itself:
Published in The Cochrane Library, July 2005 (abstract only, subscription required for full article)
Metformin monotherapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus