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Abstract
Background: Gestational
diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses
risks to both maternal and
fetal health.
This study conducts a comprehensive
analysis of previous research
on the use of metformin in
managing GDM compared to other
therapies. The primary objective
is to elucidate the comparative
efficacy, safety profiles,
and maternal-fetal outcomes
associated with metformin
use in GDM management.
Methods:
A literature review was
conducted using different
databases of studies from
2013 to 2023 involving GDM-diagnosed
populations and comparing
oral metformin therapy to
other GDM management strategies.
Results:
Metformin is a potential alternative
for managing GDM due to its
ease of administration and
cost-effectiveness compared
to insulin therapy. Various
comparative studies indicate
that metformin is associated
with favorable outcomes, including
improved glycemic control,
reduced gestational weight
gain, and lower rates of neonatal
hypoglycemia compared to insulin.
Glyburide, another oral hypoglycemic
agent, shows similarities
to insulin but with some differences
in hypoglycemia risk. However,
the advantages of metformin
are more pronounced when compared
to glyburide. Long-term studies
suggest that metformin may
reduce the risk of subsequent
type 2 diabetes in women with
a history of GDM.
Conclusion:
Metformin exhibits efficacy
and safety in GDM management,
with pronounced benefits.
While it may not completely
replace insulin therapy, metformin
offers a viable option in
GDM management. Future research
should focus on optimizing
dosing regimens, long-term
safety assessments, and exploring
combination therapies to enhance
GDM care.
Keywords:
Metformin, Gestational
Diabetes Mellitus, Maternal
outcomes, Fetal outcomes,
Insulin, Glyburide
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