Evidence-based pharmacological investigation of the clinical practice and rational use of metformin in prediabetes mellitus

Dianchun Liu , Xiaoying Chen , Qianyun Wang , Xingru Pan , Xuehan Wei , Bohong Wang , Ying Wang , Xue Xue , Chunli Lu

Precision Medication ›› 2025, Vol. 2 ›› Issue (2) : 100035

PDF (1333KB)
Precision Medication ›› 2025, Vol. 2 ›› Issue (2) :100035 DOI: 10.1016/j.prmedi.2025.100035
research-article
Evidence-based pharmacological investigation of the clinical practice and rational use of metformin in prediabetes mellitus
Author information +
History +
PDF (1333KB)

Abstract

Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels have deviated from the normal range but have not yet reached the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. It represents a transitional phase between health and diabetes. Currently, there are no global guidelines for managing prediabetes. However, the use of metformin in prediabetes is largely based on clinical experience, and there is a lack of high-quality evidence-based medicine. There are uncertainties regarding its dosage and unknown adverse reactions, and its exact efficacy and safety still require further study. This article systematically reviews the current state of metformin in the treatment of prediabetic, analyzing differences in efficacy across different dosages, the guideline recommendations, clinical application experiences, potential adverse effects and irrational drug use. We aim to provide scientific basis and clinical practice guidance for the rational use of metformin in the management of prediabetes.

Keywords

Metformin / Prediabetes / Evidence-based medicine / Diabetes prevention / Rational drug use

Cite this article

Download citation ▾
Dianchun Liu, Xiaoying Chen, Qianyun Wang, Xingru Pan, Xuehan Wei, Bohong Wang, Ying Wang, Xue Xue, Chunli Lu. Evidence-based pharmacological investigation of the clinical practice and rational use of metformin in prediabetes mellitus. Precision Medication, 2025, 2(2): 100035 DOI:10.1016/j.prmedi.2025.100035

登录浏览全文

4963

注册一个新账户 忘记密码

Declarations

Not applicable.

Authors' contributions

D. Liu: Literature collection, chart drawing, and article writing. X. Chen, Q. Wang, X. Pan, X. Wei, B. Wang, Y. Wang, X. Xue: Article revision. C. Lu: Article conceptualization and design, article revision, quality control, and overall project responsibility.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

Data availability

Not applicable.

Funding

This study was supported by the Guangzhou Science and Technology Program Project (2024A04J4734).

Declarations of Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

Not applicable.

Authors' other information

Not applicable.

References

[1]

Zhao RS, Zhai SD. Hospital pharmacy and evidence-based pharmacy. China Pharm J. 2007;42(24):1922-1924 DOI: 1001-2494(2007)24-1922-03.

[2]

Shen Y, Hong TP, Hu G. Controversies over the definition and comprehensive management of prediabetes. Chin J Diabetes. 2020; 12(2):65-68. https://doi.org/10.3760/cma.j.issn.1674-5809.2020.02.001

[3]

Magliano DJ, Boyko EJ. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edition scientific committee. 10th ed. Brussels: International Diabetes Federation; 2021.

[4]

Wang L, Peng W, Zhao Z, et al. Prevalence and treatment of diabetes in China, 2013-2018. JAMA J Am Med Assoc. 2021; 326(24) https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.22208

[5]

Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Research Group. The diabetes prevention program (DPP): description of lifestyle intervention. Diabetes Care. 2002; 25(12):2165-2171. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.25.12.2165

[6]

Garber AJ, Abrahamson MJ, Barzilay JI, et al. Consensus statement by the American association of clinical endocrinologists and American college of endocrinology on the comprehensive type 2 diabetes management algorithm—2019 executive summary. Endocr Pr. 2019; 25(1):69-100. https://doi.org/10.4158/CS-2018-0535

[7]

Samson SL, Vellanki P, Blonde L, et al. American association of clinical endocrinology consensus statement: comprehensive type 2 diabetes management algorithm—2023 update. Endocr Pr. 2023; 29(5):305-340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eprac.2023.02.001

[8]

Elsayed NA, Aleppo G, Aroda VR, et al. Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment: standards of care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2023; 46(S1):140-157. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc23-S009

[9]

Expert Group for the Updated Consensus on Clinical Application of Metformin. Consensus on the clinical application of metformin (2023 edition). Chin J Intern Med. 2023; 62(6):619-630. https://doi.org/10.3760/cma.j.cn112138-20230305-00131-1

[10]

Guo ZH, Li H, Dong Z, et al. Observational study of the mid-term effects of metformin combined with liraglutide in the intervention of prediabetes. 846 J Eval Anal Hosp Pharm China. 2022; 22(7):839-841. https://doi.org/10.14009/j.issn.1672-2124.2022.07.017

[11]

Zhang F, Xin X, Hao HY, et al. Study on the effects of metformin on growth differentiation factor 15 and body fat distribution in patients with prediabetes. Chin J Diabetes. 2022; 30(2):91-96. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1006-6187.2022.02.003

[12]

Zhang SF. Analysis of the effect of metformin on blood glucose levels during chemotherapy in breast cancer patients with prediabetes. 113 Diabetes N World. 2021; 24(21):106-108. https://doi.org/10.16658/j.cnki.1672-4062.2021.21.106

[13]

Xu L, Zhang XJ. Analysis of the effects of acarbose combined with metformin on patients with prediabetes. Electron J Mod Med Health Res. 2021; 5(15):51-53 2096-3718.2021.15.0051.03.

[14]

Adler AI, Coleman RL, Leal J, et al. Post-trial monitoring of a randomised controlled trial of intensive glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes extended from 10 years to 24 years (UKPDS 91). Lancet. 2024; 404(10448):145-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00537-3

[15]

Moin T, Schmittdiel JA, Flory JH, et al. Review of metformin use for type 2 diabetes prevention. Am J Prev Med. 2018; 55(4):565-574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2018.04.038

[16]

Hostalek U, Gwilt M, Hildemann S. Therapeutic use of metformin in prediabetes and diabetes prevention. Drugs. 2015; 75(10):1071-1094. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-015-0416-8

[17]

Consensus on the clinical application of metformin (2018 edition). Chinese Journal of Diabetes, 2019; 27(3): 161-173. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-6187.2019.03.001.

[18]

Ji L, Liu J, Yang J, et al. Comparative effectiveness of metformin monotherapy in extended release and immediate release formulations for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in treatment-naïve Chinese patients: analysis of results from the CONSENT trial. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2018; 20(4):1006-1013. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.13190Epub2018Jan22.

[19]

Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in China (2017 edition). Chinese Journal of Practical Internal Medicine, 2018; 38(4): 292-344. DOI: 10.19538/j.nk2018040108.

[20]

Kong FX, Huang JQ. The impact of different formulations of metformin on patient compliance. Drug. Evaluation. 2012; 9(10):38-41.

[21]

Qaseem A, Obley AJ, Shamliyan T, et al. Newer pharmacologic treatments in adults with type 2 diabetes: a clinical guideline from the American college of physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2024; 177(5):658-666. https://doi.org/10.7326/M23-2788

[22]

AstraZeneca Global R&D (China) Co., Ltd. Dapagliflozin and metformin extended-release tablets (I) (II) (III) (IV) package insert. [2025-01-05]. http://www.nhsa.gov.cn/attach/Ypsn2023/YPSW202300256/YPSW202300256-W1(ppt).pdf.

[23]

Merck Sharp & Dohme (Beijing) Pharmaceutical R&D Co., Ltd. Metformin hydrochloride tablets. [2025-01-05]. 〈https://www.merckgroup.com.cn/cn-zh/expertise/general-medicine/general-medicine-treatments/glucophage-glucophage-xr.html〉.

[24]

Ping WX, Hu S, Su JQ, et al. Metabolic disorders in prediabetes: from mechanisms to therapeutic management. World J Diabetes. 2024; 15(3):361-377. https://doi.org/10.4239/wjd.v15.i3.361

[25]

Leclerc I, Woltersdorf WW, Silva XG, et al. Metformin, but not leptin, regulates AMP-activated protein kinase in pancreatic islets: impact on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2004; 286:e1023-e1031. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00532.2003

[26]

Huang H, Lorenz BR, Zelmanovitz PH, et al. Metformin preserves β-cell compensation in insulin secretion and mass expansion in prediabetic Nile rats. Int J Mol Sci. 2021; 22(1):421. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22010421

[27]

Tobar N, Rocha GZ, Santos A, et al. Metformin acts in the gut and induces gut-liver crosstalk. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2023; 120(4):e2211933120. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2211933120

[28]

Kristensen JM, Trebak JT, Schjerling P, et al. Two weeks of metformin treatment induces AMPK-dependent enhancement of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in mouse soleus muscle. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2014; 306(10):e1099-e1109. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00417.2013

[29]

Miklankova D, Markova I, Hüttl M, et al. Metformin affects cardiac arachidonic acid metabolism and cardiac lipid metabolite storage in a prediabetic rat model. Int J Mol Sci. 2021; 22(14):7680. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22147680

[30]

Gunton JE, Delhanty PJ, Takahashi S, et al. Metformin rapidly increases insulin receptor activation in human liver and signals preferentially through insulin-receptor substrate-2. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003; 88(3):1323-1332. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2002-021394

[31]

Zhou G, Myers R, Li Y, et al. Role of AMP-activated protein kinase in mechanism of metformin action. J Clin Invest. 2001; 108(8):1167-1174. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI13505

[32]

Zhang P, Li T, Wu X, et al. Oxidative stress and diabetes: antioxidative strategies. Front Med. 2020; 14(5):583-600. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11684-019-0729-1

[33]

Lupi R, Marchetti P, Giannarelli R, et al. Effects of glibenclamide and metformin (alone or in combination) on insulin release from isolated human pancreatic islets. Acta Diabetol. 1997; 34(1):46-48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s005920050065

[34]

Madsen KS, Chi Y, Metzendorf MI, et al. Metformin for prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated complications in persons at increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019; 12(12):CD008558. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008558.pub2

[35]

Knowler WC, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler SE, et al. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. N Engl J Med. 2002; 346(6):393-403. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa012512

[36]

Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, Knowler WC, Fowler SE, et al. 10-year follow-up of diabetes incidence and weight loss in the diabetes prevention program outcomes study. Lancet. 2009; 374(9702):1677-1686. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61457-4

[37]

Zhang L, Zhang Y, Shen S, et al. Safety and effectiveness of metformin plus lifestyle intervention compared with lifestyle intervention alone in preventing progression to diabetes in a Chinese population with impaired glucose regulation: a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2023; 11(8):567-577. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00132-8

[38]

Knowler WC, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler SE, et al. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. N Engl J Med. 2002; 346(6):393-403. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa012512

[39]

Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, Knowler WC, Fowler SE, et al. 10-year follow-up of diabetes incidence and weight loss in the diabetes prevention program outcomes study. Lancet. 2009; 374(9702):1677-1686. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61457-4

[40]

Boer IH, Khunti K, Sadusky T, et al. Diabetes management in chronic kidney disease: a consensus report by the American diabetes association (ADA) and kidney disease: improving global outcomes (KDIGO). Diabetes Care. 2022; 45(12):3075-3090. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci220027

[41]

Lalau JD, Kajbaf F, Bennis Y, et al. Metformin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease stages 3A, 3B, or 4. Diabetes Care. 2018; 41(3):547-553. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc17-2231

[42]

ACOG practice bulletin no. 190: gestational diabetes mellitus. Obstet Gynecol. 2018; 131(2):e49-e64. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000002501

[43]

Li G, Zhao S, Cui S, et al. Effect comparison of metformin with insulin treatment for gestational diabetes: a meta-analysis based on RCTs. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2015; 292(1):111-120. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-014-3566-0

[44]

Balsells M, García PA, Solà I, et al. Glibenclamide, metformin, and insulin for the treatment of gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2015;350:h102. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h102

[45]

Jiang YF, Chen XY, Ding T, et al. Comparative efficacy and safety of OADs in management of GDM: network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015; 100(5):2071-2080. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2014-4403

[46]

Rowan JA, Rush EC, Plank LD, et al. Metformin in gestational diabetes: the offspring follow-up (MiG TOFU): body composition and metabolic outcomes at 7-9 years of age. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2018; 6(1):e000456. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjdrc-2017-000456

[47]

Hanem L, Stridsklev S, Júliusson PB, et al. Metformin use in PCOS pregnancies increases the risk of offspring overweight at 4 years of age: Follow-up of two RCTs. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018; 103(4):1612-1621. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2017-02419

[48]

Tarry AJL, Aiken CE, Ozanne SE. Neonatal, infant, and childhood growth following metformin versus insulin treatment for gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med. 2019; 16(8):e1002848. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002848

[49]

Hanem L, Salvesen Ø, Juliusson PB, et al. Intrauterine metformin exposure and offspring cardiometabolic risk factors (PedMet study): a 5-10 year follow-up of the PregMet randomized controlled trial. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2019; 3(3):166-174. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(18)30385-7

[50]

Yen FS, Huang YH, Hou MC, et al. Metformin use and cirrhotic decompensation in patients with type 2 diabetes and liver cirrhosis. Br J Clin Pharm. 2022; 88(1):311-322. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.14970

[51]

Goldberg RB, Orchard TJ, Crandall JP, et al. Effects of long-term metformin and lifestyle interventions on cardiovascular events in the diabetes prevention program and its outcome study. Circulation. 2022; 145(22):1632-1641. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.056756

[52]

Zhang, Ji L F, Hong T, et al. Expert consensus on personalized initiation of glucose-lowering therapy in adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes without clinical cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease. J Evid Based Med. 2022; 15(2):168-179. https://doi.org/10.1111/jebm.12474

[53]

Liu C, Wang F, Fan QX. Clinical research progress of metformin in anti-tumor treatment. Chin J Oncol. 2018; 45(20):1027-1032. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1000-8179.2018.20.981

[54]

Expert Committee on Endocrine Oncology, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association. Expert consensus on the auxiliary treatment of malignant tumors in patients with type 2 diabetes using metformin (2022 edition). Chinese Journal of Cancer, 2022; 32(11): 1121-1132. DOI: 10.19401/j.cnki.1007-3639.2022.11.011.

[55]

Elsayed NA, Aleppo G, Aroda VR, et al. Children and adolescents: standards of care in diabetes-2023. Diabetes Care. 2023; 46(S1):230-253. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc23-S014

[56]

Wang YW, He SJ, Feng X, et al. Metformin: a review of its potential indications. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2017; 22(11):2421-2429. https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S141675

[57]

Jonas DE, Schaaf EB, Riley S, et al. Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents: evidence report and systematic review for the US preventive services task force. JAMA. 2022; 328(10):968-979. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.7957

[58]

McCreight LJ, Bailey CJ, Pearson ER. Metformin and the gastrointestinal tract. Diabetologia. 2016; 59(3):426-435. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-015-3844-9

[59]

American Diabetes Association. Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment: standards of medical care in diabetes-2018. Diabetes Care. 2018; 41(S1):73-85. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc18-S008

[60]

Thewjitcharoen Y, Chongvoranond P, Nakasatien S, et al. Metformin-associated vitamin B12 deficiency: an underrecognized complication. JCEM Case Rep. 2024; 2(4):29. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcemcr/luae029

[61]

Hsu WH, Hsiao PJ, Lin PC, et al. Effect of metformin on kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and moderate chronic kidney disease. Oncotarget. 2017; 9(4):5416-5423. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.23387

[62]

Corcoran C, Jacobs TF. Metformin. Treasure Island: StatPearls Publishing; 2024.

PDF (1333KB)

4

Accesses

0

Citation

Detail

Sections
Recommended

/