Journal Top Ten, Columns-Drugs & Supplements, October 2005

ARTICLE: 'Combination therapy using metformin or thiazolidinediones and insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus'

JOURNAL: Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 2005 Nov;7(6):633-41.

SUMMARY: The biguanide, metformin, sensitizes the liver to the effect of insulin, suppressing hepatic glucose output. Thiazolidinediones such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone enhance insulin-mediated glucose disposal, leading to reduced plasma insulin concentrations. These classes of drugs may also have varying beneficial effects on features of insulin resistance such as lipid levels, blood pressure and body weight. Metformin in combination with insulin has been shown to significantly improve blood …