Introduction of metformin for gestational diabetes mellitus in clinical practice: has it had an impact?

Fasting blood glucose predicts response to extended‐release metformin in gestational diabetes mellitus

“…Although we found similar maternal and neonatal outcomes in women treated with metformin versus insulin, our study was not designed to examine this issue. Recent data from several studies of pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM treated with metformin have been very reassuring 5,7,8,[10][11][12][13] although it should be noted that there have been few prospective randomised trials 5,7 : most studies have reported retrospective case-control data. However, increased perinatal mortality in infants of mothers treated with metformin has been reported by one study.…”

Oral Metformin Treatment Prevents Enhanced Insulin Demand and Placental Dysfunction in the Pregnant Rat Fed a Fructose-Rich Diet

“…In this regard, it is known that GDM directly correlates with high body weight of newborns [36]. It has been reported that when GDM women are treated with metformin, a compound readily crossing the placenta [37], the incidence of both macrosomic rate and large for gestational age neonates is reduced [38]. …”

Diabetes Management beyond Pregnancy

“…[13] Compared with insulin and other hypoglycemic drugs, metformin can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce maternal weight gain during pregnancy, and minimize the risk of hypoglycemia. [14] According to most maternal and neonatal outcomes, metformin is an effective and safe alternative to insulin for GDM patients. [15] Long-term side effects of metformin in GDM offspring still need to be studied in the future.…”