Summary Management guidelines continue to identify metformin as initial pharmacologic antidiabetic therapy of choice for people with type 2 diabetes without contraindications, despite recent randomized trials that have demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular outcomes with newer classes of antidiabetic therapies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge of metformin's therapeutic actions on blood glucose and cardiovascular clinical evidence and to consider the mechanisms that underlie them. The effects of metformin on glycaemia occur mainly in the liver, but metformin‐stimulated glucose disposal by the gut has emerged as an increasingly import site of action of metformin. Additionally, metformin induces increased secretion of GLP‐1 from intestinal L‐cells. Clinical cardiovascular protection with metformin is supported by three randomized outcomes trials (in newly diagnosed and late stage insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes patients) and a wealth of observational data. Initial evidence suggests that cotreatment with metformin may enhance the impact of newer incretin‐based therapies on cardiovascular outcomes, an important observation as metformin can be combined with any other antidiabetic agent. Multiple potential mechanisms support the concept of cardiovascular protection with metformin beyond those provided by reduced blood glucose, including weight loss, improvements in haemostatic function, reduced inflammation, and oxidative stress, and inhibition of key steps in the process of atherosclerosis. Accordingly, metformin remains well placed to support improvements in cardiovascular outcomes, from diagnosis and throughout the course of type 2 diabetes, even in this new age of improved outcomes in type 2 diabetes.

Neuropathic pain (NeP) has been the focus of extensive basic and clinical research over the past 20 years. This has led to an increased understanding of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and the development of new therapeutic agents, as well as a clearer definition of the role of established medications. To date there are no published treatment guidelines for NeP in the Middle East. A multidisciplinary panel of Middle East and international experts met to review critically and reach a consensus on how best to apply evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of NeP (mainly peripheral NeP) in the Middle East. The expert panel recommended pregabalin, gabapentin and secondary amine tricyclic antidepressants (nortriptyline and desipramine) as first-line treatments for peripheral NeP. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, tramadol and controlled-release opioid analgesics were recommended as second-line treatments. There is a need to increase diagnostic awareness of NeP, use validated screening questionnaires and undertake more treatment research in the Middle East region.

Despite the abundance of scientific evidence confirming the health consequences of smoking and other forms of tobacco use, the tobacco epidemic remains an important public health problem and by 2030 it is predicted that more than 80% of tobacco deaths will be in developing countries. In Africa and the Middle East, many local factors contribute to the initiation and maintenance of tobacco use. Although efforts to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with smoking and tobacco dependence are underway, there is a need for guidance on how to utilize appropriate tobacco control policies and psychology- and pharmacology-based therapies to counter tobacco dependence as recommended by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). A group of tobacco cessation experts from public health services and/or academic institutions in Africa and the Middle East participated in a series of four meetings held in Cairo, Cape Town, and Dubai between May 2008 and February 2011 to develop a draft guideline tailored to their region. This article provides the background to the development of this draft smoking cessation guideline and discusses how the recommendations can be implemented and progress monitored to promote both primary prevention and cessation of tobacco use within our countries. The draft guideline for Africa and the Middle East provides an important resource in combating the devastating effects of tobacco use in these regions which can be further localized through engagement with local stakeholders in the countries of the region.

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) outbreaks associated with Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are well recognized. Past outbreaks have been associated with substantial intercontinental spread of specific Neisseria meningitidis serogroups. The emergence of meningococcal serogroup W (MenW) was a global concern following the 2000/2001 Hajj outbreaks. Broader compulsory meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y (MenACWY) immunization S. Badur (&) EM, Vaccines Scientific Affairs and Public Health, GSK, Bu ¨yu ¨kdere Caddesi No:173,

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