The purpose of this literature review is to explore metformin’s role in the treatment of patients with prediabetes within the primary care setting. The efficacy of metformin versus lifestyle modifications will be compared as well as metformin, as adjunctive therapy, to lifestyle modifications. Along with efficacy, a systematic analysis will examine the three above mentioned therapies regarding diabetes risk reduction. Lastly, this review will examine the safety and tolerability of metformin, specifically in patients with prediabetes. The data presented shows evidence that lifestyle modifications are first line treatment for prediabetes while metformin use should be reserved for those who fail lifestyle modifications or are considered to be high risk and/or patients that have shown more effective results with metformin therapy: BMI ≥ 35 kg/m 2 , patients less than 60 years old, and women who have a prior history of gestational diabetes mellitus. Decades of research show that metformin is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with prediabetes. However, the combined efficacy of lifestyle modifications and metformin use in prediabetic patients needs to be further studied to find out why additive benefits are not demonstrated.https://commons.und.edu/pas-grad-posters/1176/thumbnail.jp
