Metformin: A promising option for the management of gestational diabetes mellitus – Exploring the benefits, challenges and clinical needs in the current management of gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing. One in three women require insulin to achieve glycaemic targets in GDM. However, it is unclear whether insulin therapy alone is the most effective treatment for all women in achieving glycaemic control and preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although no oral hypoglycaemic agents are approved for pregnancy in Australia, recent research indicates that metformin is effective in preventing adverse perinatal outcomes and may even have possible benefits in the long term. Furthermore, there appears to be a specific role for both metformin and insulin among the GDM population. Metformin provides an option to offer an individualised approach to treat GDM.

Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Middle East and North Africa: Systematic review

“…There have also been reports of headache, anxiety, fatigue, and dizziness as side effects (Sakouhi et al, 2023). Women with normal weight may benefit from focusing on diet and insulin therapy to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes, while those with higher pre-pregnancy BMI or excessive weight may benefit from metformin combination with supplemental insulin to alleviate insulin resistance and further weight gain (Bastian et al, 2022).…”