Prevalence of Risk Determinants for Metformin-associated Lactic Acidosis and Metformin Utilization in the Study of Health in Pomerania

Abstract

Risk determinants for the life threatening complication of metformin-associated lactic acidosis are frequently disregarded. Our first aim was to investigate the prevalence of risk determinants in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) taking metformin compared to subjects with nonmetformin treatment. Our second aim was to estimate the proportion of subjects with alternative drug-treatment, and no risk determinants, which would probably benefit from metformin. The Study of Health in Pomerania is a population-based health survey including 322 DM2 subjects. Risk determinants were assessed by personal interview, ultrasound, and laboratory analysis. Among the subjects with DM2 n=92 (28.6%) were treated with metformin, n=162 (50.3%) with alternative medication, and n=68 (21.1%) with diet. The prevalence of at least one risk determinant was 62% for metformin-users. There was no difference in number and type of risk determinants. Heart failure, angina pectoris, and liver disorders presented the most frequent risk determinants. Current risk determinants for metformin-associated lactic acidosis are largely disregarded. Improved selection of patients can result in safe metformin utilization in one quarter of subjects on DM2 related drug treatment. Risk determinants need to be revised. A more practical definition of risk determinants would improve prescription adherence.

Key words

metformin - lactic acidosis - prevalence

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1 These authors contributed equally to this manuscript.

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