Metformin versus insulin in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract EN

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical conditions complicating pregnancy and its prevalence increasing nowadays due to the increasing obesity in our society.

The whole story is due to insulin resistance which is best managed by metformin rather than insulin.

Objective: The main objective of the study is to compare the efficacy of metformin in controlling hyperglycemia in GDM or their effect on the pregnancy outcome versus insulin therapy.

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Al‑Zahraa Teaching Hospital in Al‑Najaf from February 2015 to November 2015, as 100 pregnant ladies from (20 to 32) weeks of gestational age were already diagnosed to have GDM or we diagnosed them by formal 75 g oral glucose tolerance test.

Results: Metformin was better in controlling blood sugar (111 mg/dl versus 145 mg/dl in insulin).

Neonatal complication and cesarean section rates were higher in insulin limb.

Conclusion: Metformin was better in controlling blood sugar in GDM than insulin, with better neonatal outcome.