Glucophage what is it used for
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Uses of Glucophage (Metformin)
Introduction to Glucophage (Metformin)
Glucophage, also known by its generic name metformin, is a widely used oral medication primarily prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the biguanide class of drugs and is known for its efficacy in controlling blood glucose levels without causing significant hypoglycemia at therapeutic doses7.
Primary Use: Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Metformin is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. It works by improving insulin sensitivity, decreasing hepatic glucose production, and enhancing peripheral glucose uptake7. This makes it highly effective in lowering blood sugar levels in patients who have not achieved adequate glycemic control through diet and exercise alone6.
Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in High-Risk Individuals
Recent guidelines suggest that metformin can also be used to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in individuals with prediabetes. This is particularly recommended for those who are younger than 60 years old, have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m², or have a history of gestational diabetes5. Although not FDA-approved for this use, its preventive benefits are well-documented.
Extended-Release Formulations
Extended-release formulations of metformin, such as Glucophage XR, have been developed to improve patient compliance by reducing the frequency of dosing. Studies have shown that these formulations are effective in maintaining glycemic control with a favorable safety profile6.
Combination Therapy
Metformin is often used in combination with other antidiabetic medications to achieve better glycemic control. For instance, the combination of sitagliptin (Januvia) and metformin (Glucophage) has been shown to synergistically improve blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes9.
Additional Benefits: Diabetic Wound Healing
Beyond its primary use in diabetes management, metformin has shown promise in promoting the healing of diabetic wounds. Research indicates that metformin-loaded collagen/PLGA scaffold membranes can significantly enhance wound healing and increase collagen content in diabetic rats, suggesting potential applications in diabetic wound care1.
Conclusion
Glucophage (metformin) is a versatile medication primarily used for the management of type 2 diabetes and the prevention of the disease in high-risk individuals. Its efficacy, safety, and additional benefits in wound healing make it a cornerstone in diabetes care. Extended-release formulations and combination therapies further enhance its utility, making it a critical component in the treatment of diabetes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Augmentation of diabetic wound healing and enhancement of collagen content using nanofibrous glucophage-loaded collagen/PLGA scaffold membranes.
Nanofibrous glucophage-loaded collagen/PLGA scaffold membranes effectively promote diabetic wound healing and increase collagen content, with sustained release for over three weeks.
In Vitro Study
Highly CitedChronic Exposure to Glucocorticoids Shapes Gene Expression and Modulates Innate and Adaptive Activation Pathways in Macrophages with Distinct Changes in Leukocyte Attraction
Long-term glucocorticoid treatment weakens adaptive immune signature components but strengthens innate signature components, affecting the innate-adaptive balance in macrophages.
Non-RCTHighly CitedMacrophages and the glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids interfere with macrophage functions by modulating inflammatory mediator production, affecting their role in inflammatory reactions through complex interactions with receptors and transcription factors.
Highly CitedAutophagy protects chondrocytes from glucocorticoids-induced apoptosis via ROS/Akt/FOXO3 signaling.
Autophagy protects chondrocytes from glucocorticoids-induced apoptosis by inducing apoptosis through the ROS/Akt/FOXO3 signaling pathway.
In Vitro Study
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedEfficacy, dose–response relationship and safety of once‐daily extended‐release metformin (Glucophage® XR) in type 2 diabetic patients with inadequate glycaemic control despite prior treatment with diet and exercise: results from two double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies
Once-daily extended-release metformin (Glucophage® XR) effectively improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients despite diet and exercise, with dose-dependent effects.
RCTHighly CitedBioequivalence of Glycomin Tablet to Glucophage Tablet (Metformin HCl 500 mg)
Glycomin tablet is bioequivalent to Glucophage tablet, indicating that they are both effective oral antihyperglycemic agents for noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus treatment.
RCTGlucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) induces M2 polarization of human macrophages via STAT3 activation.
GLP-1 induces macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype, potentially contributing to its protective effects against diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedSitagliptin/Metformin (janumet) as combination therapy in the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus.
Sitagliptin and metformin show potential in improving glycemic levels in type-2 diabetes patients, but their cost and need for more data may limit their use.
Macrophages and neutrophils are the targets for immune suppression by glucocorticoids in contact allergy.
Glucocorticoids effectively suppress contact allergy by targeting macrophages and neutrophils, with dimerization of the GR receptor being crucial for this effect.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHighly Cited