Long-term effects of metformin use in gestational diabetes mellitus on offspring health.

Abstract

Metformin is the first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, but its role in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) management is not clear. Recent evidence suggests a certain beneficial effect of metformin in the treatment of GDM, but a high treatment failure rate leads to the initiation of additional medications, such as insulin. Moreover, since metformin crosses the placental barrier and reaches a significant level in the fetus, it is likely to influence the fetal metabolic milieu. The evidence indicates the long-term safety in children exposed to metformin in utero except for mild adverse anthropometric profiles. Diligent follow-up of metformin-exposed offspring is warranted from the clinician's point of view.

• Authors: Ayan Roy, Jayaprakash Sahoo
• Journal: World journal of diabetes (World J Diabetes) Vol. 12 Issue 11 Pg. 1812-1817 (Nov 15 2021) ISSN: 1948-9358 [Print] United States
• PMID: 34888009 (Publication Type: Editorial)
• Copyright: ©The Author(s) 2021. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.