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First-line use of metformin supported by physician group

February 6, 2012
  • Advising on this article:
  • Charles D. Ponte

KEY POINT

In a clinical guideline, the American College of Physicians (ACP) supports use of metformin as the initial pharmacologic agent for most patients with type 2 diabetes. The group cited lack of sufficient evidence in not recommending which of several other oral agents should be added to metformin therapy if hyperglycemia persists.

SOURCES

Qaseem A et al. Oral pharmacologic treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2012;156:218–31. 

American College of Physicians. Oral drug treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians [summaries for patients]. Ann Intern Med. 2012;156:I-36. 

Bennett WL et al. Comparative effectiveness and safety of medications for type 2 diabetes: an update including new drugs and 2-drug combinations. Ann Intern Med. 2011;154:602–13.

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