Which statement about metformin is true?

Which statement about metformin is true?

• A. Metformin is the first-line medication for managing diabetes in adults.
• B. Metformin is not used in adults.
• C. Metformin is a short-acting medication.
• D. Metformin is used only for gestational diabetes.

Answer: (A)

Metformin is the first-line therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes because it effectively lowers blood glucose with a favorable balance of efficacy, safety, and cost. It works primarily by reducing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity, and it typically does not cause hypoglycemia when used alone. This combination—strong glucose-lowering effect, low risk of hypoglycemia, and long-standing safety and cost advantages—makes it the standard starting pharmacologic treatment after lifestyle changes. It’s available in immediate-release and extended-release forms, so classifying it as short-acting isn’t accurate. It’s not limited to gestational diabetes; while some guidelines may allow use in pregnancy in certain situations, its primary and widespread role is treating type 2 diabetes in adults. In older adults or those with impaired kidney function, dose adjustments or withholding may be necessary to reduce risk of lactic acidosis.

Metformin is the first-line therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes because it effectively lowers blood glucose with a favorable balance of efficacy, safety, and cost. It works primarily by reducing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity, and it typically does not cause hypoglycemia when used alone. This combination—strong glucose-lowering effect, low risk of hypoglycemia, and long-standing safety and cost advantages—makes it the standard starting pharmacologic treatment after lifestyle changes.

It’s available in immediate-release and extended-release forms, so classifying it as short-acting isn’t accurate. It’s not limited to gestational diabetes; while some guidelines may allow use in pregnancy in certain situations, its primary and widespread role is treating type 2 diabetes in adults. In older adults or those with impaired kidney function, dose adjustments or withholding may be necessary to reduce risk of lactic acidosis.