METFORMIN VERSUS INSULIN IN TREATMENT OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES (A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL)

Abstract

The use of antidiabetic drugs to control gestational diabetes was controversial. Some studies suggest a possible link between the use of oral antidiadetics and fetal anomalies, fetal macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia whereas others have demonstrated no such relationship. Metformin is a biguanide hypoglycemic agent that reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis and increases peripheral insulin sensitivity. Although it crosses placenta, metformin appear to be safe in pregnancy. Many studies have suggested the potential safety of this drug in pregnancy and its ability to maintain adequate glycemic control. In the present study, the aim was to compare the efficacy of metformin with that of insulin in treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus. The present study included 100 pregnant women who have been diagnosed as gestational diabetics at 25-33 weeks gestation with singleton pregnancy. They had FBG level ranging from 95-120 mg/ dl or 2-hour postprandial blood glucose level ranging from 120-190 mg/dl. The exclusion criteria include pregnant women with preexisting DM and underlying diseases known to affect fetal growth or drug clearance.