Metformin versus glyburide in treatment and control of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review with meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the major outcomes of use of metformin and glyburide in treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods Studies published in English, in the last 10 years, in the databases MEDLINE®, SciELO, LILACS and Cochrane Library were analyzed, and randomized controlled trials were selected. Health Sciences Descriptors were used to compose the search phrase, and the keywords "Gestational diabetes", "Glyburide", "Metformin" and their variations were searched in the Medical Subject Headings. PRISMA systematization was used to prepare this review, and a meta-analysis was conducted aiming to mathematically show the results of fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, birth weight and weight gain during pregnancy after using metformin and glyburide. Results The studies evaluated birth weight, neonatal hypoglycemia, mode of delivery, need for intensive care, Apgar score, macrosomia, fasting glucose, postprandial glucose and weight gain during pregnancy. In 60% of studies, there were no statistically significant differences regarding safety and efficacy of administration of metformin and glyburide. Meta-analysis demonstrated the absence of statistical differences between these drugs in fasting blood glucose (p=0.821), postprandial blood glucose (p=0.217) and birth weight (p=0.194). However, significant differences were shown in weight gain during pregnancy (p=0.036). Conclusion The methods are effective, but the adverse effects of glyburide are more common; therefore, the use of metformin should be recommended, if in monotherapy.

Tratamento para o diabetes mellitus gestacional: uma revisão de literatura / Treatment for gestational diabetes mellitus: a literature review

O diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG) é uma complicação que atinge o metabolismo da gestante, resultando em intolerância à glicose e consequente hiperglicemia, originada pela insuficiência de insulina materna. Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar os tratamentos disponíveis e mais utilizados para o DMG. Trata-se de um uma revisão de literatura, feita a partir de 22 referências, acerca dos tratamentos para o DMG. As bases de dados escolhidas foram Google Acadêmico, UpToDate, SciELO e o acervo da Universidade do Planalto Catarinense. Estudos apontam a insulina humana ­ NPH e regular ­ como a principal escolha, quando comparada aos seus análogos, apesar de ainda existirem muitas controvérsias quanto ao início do tratamento, o esquema terapêutico e os ajustes das doses. Pesquisas têm demonstrado bons resultados sobre a eficácia e a segurança dos hipoglicemiantes orais ­ gliburida e metformina ­ no tratamento de gestantes diabéticas, mas é evidente a necessidade de mais estudos para confirmar a efetividade deles e garantir um bom desenvolvimento do concepto. Concluiu-se que o controle dietético e o exercício físico são a primeira opção de tratamento para o DMG. Todavia, caso a euglicemia não seja atingida, opta-se pelo tratamento medicamentoso por meio da insulinoterapia ou hipoglicemiantes orais, o que possibilita a redução da incidência dos efeitos adversos ao binômio materno-fetal.(AU)

Gestational diabetes mellitus (DMG) is a complication that affects the pregnant woman's metabolism, resulting in glucose intolerance and consequent hyperglycemia, caused by insufficient maternal insulin. This study aims to identify the available and most used treatments for DMG. This is a literature review, based on 22 references, about treatments for Gestational Diabetes; the databases chosen were Google Scholar, UpToDate, SciELO and the collection of the Universidade do Planalto Catarinense. Studies point to human insulin ­ NPH and regular ­ as the main choice when compared to its analogues, although there are still many controversies about the beginning of treatment, therapeutic scheme and dose adjustments. Researches have shown good results on the efficacy and safety of oral hypoglycemic agents ­ glyburide and metformin ­ in the treatment of diabetic pregnant women, but it is evident the need for further studies to confirm their effectiveness and to guarantee a good development of the fetus. It was concluded that dietary control and physical exercise are the first treatment option for DGM. However, if euglycemia is not achieved, drug treatment is chosen through insulin therapy or oral hypoglycemic agents, which makes it possible to reduce the incidence of adverse effects to the maternal-fetal binomial.(AU)

Medicamentos de ação metabólica: Estatinas, fibratos e antidiabéticos orais / Drugs of metabolic action: Statins, fibrates and oral antidiabetics

A polifarmácia na prática clínica atualmente é necessária paraa obtenção de metas de tratamento mais rigorosas impostas porestudos que vêm demonstrando seus benefícios. O pacienteque apresenta alterações metabólicas está mais suscetível aouso de medicamentos hipolipemiantes e antidiabéticos orais.A interação medicamentosa entre esses e outros fármacosfaz com que devamos nos atentar aos mecanismos de ação,metabolização e excreção dessas drogas...

Multiple drugs used in clinical practice are required to obtain morestrict treatment goals determined by studies that have demonstratedtheir benefits. Metabolic alterations in patients are more likelyto be treated with lipid lowering drugs and oral antidiabetics.We should pay close attention to their rnechanisms of action,metabolism and excretion, due to their interaction with otherdrugs...

Comparison of serum homocysteine level in metformin versus glibenclamide treated type 2 DM patients

Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of renal failure, blindness, non- traumatic amputation and neuropathy. Homocysteine, a sulfurated amino acid, has a close correlation with Methionine and Cysteine. The conversion of Methionine to Homocysteine and Cysteine is required coenzymes like vitamin B6, B12 and Folate. The effect of Metformin on serum Homocysteine level by decreasing vitamin B12 level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was described previously. This is a prospective clinical trail study among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Shiraz. 76 patients were divided into two groups [38 patients in each group]. First group treated with Metformin 500-2000 mg/day and the second group treated with Glibenclamide 5-20 mg/day with follow up period of at least 6 months. Hb and MCV were used in follow up to detect megaloblastic anemia, indicator of B12 and folate deficiency. Fasting plasma Homocysteine level Hb A1C and blood sugar were measured in baseline and at 3 and 6 months follow up periods. There was no significant difference between age, sex, weight, height and BMI and baseline serum profile between the two groups. Homocysteine level increased significantly in Metformin group at 3 and 6 months[P=0.003 and 0.001 respectively]. Mean plasma homocysteine level after 6 months were 10.98 +/- 0.58 micro mol/l in Metformin and 10.0 +/- 0.88 micro mol/l in Glibenclamide group, with significant difference between the two groups [P=0.001]. Metformin increases the plasma Homocysteine level. Metformin will accumulate highly in gastrointestinal wall and cause malabsorption of vitamin B12, therefore we can conclude that the use of Metformin for 6 months can cause vitamin B12 malabsorption and increase in plasma homocysteine level. Increase in plasma homocysteine level was 7.54% in our study that is higher in comparing to the other studies. It can be explained by longer duration of Metformin therapy in our study. Rising in Homocysteine levels may have detrimental effect on vessels that need further study