Early introduction of metformin yields maternal and neonatal health benefits in women with gestational diabetes
Ireland: The early introduction of metformin in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with significant maternal and neonatal benefits with no increase in adverse perinatal events, a Phase III trial has shown.
The study, however, revealed that the early introduction of metformin failed to reduce the composite of insulin initiation or elevated fasting glucose at week 32 or 38 in this population. The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the ADA (American Diabetes Association), held from June 23 to 26 in San Diego and subsequently published in the Diabetes Journal.
Considering that the optimal approach for GDM management is uncertain, Fidelma P. Dunne from Galway, Ireland, and colleagues sought to determine whether the early introduction of metformin (at diagnosis) plus lifestyle modification was superior to standard care (lifestyle modification alone) in the EMERGE trial.
EMERGE is a phase III, superiority, parallel-group trial. Five hundred thirty-five women with gestational diabetes were randomly assigned to metformin (initiated before 28 weeks +6 days gestational age) plus lifestyle modification (n=268) or placebo plus lifestyle modification (n=267) between 2017 and 2022. The researchers compared the effectiveness of 500 mg per day of metformin, titrated to 2,500 mg, to placebo. The primary outcome was the composite of insulin initiation or fasting glucose ≥5.1 mmol/L at week 32 or 38.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.