DOC News August 1, 2007
Volume 4 Number 8 p. 10
© 2007 American Diabetes Association
Insulin-Metformin Combo Reduces Hepatic Steatosis
The combination of insulin and metformin can reduce hepatic steatosis, or
fatty liver, in people with type 2 diabetes who have not previously received
anti-diabetes medication, according to a recent study.
Hepatic steatosis develops in about 80% of people with type 2 diabetes.
A group of researchers measured levels of triglycerides in the livers of 19
participants with type 2 diabetes who had not received drug therapy. Hepatic
triglycerides were measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and
after drug therapy. Insulin was given three times daily, and the doses were
adjusted to achieve normal blood glucose levels. Metformin was titrated from
500 to 1,000 mg daily.
After 3 months of therapy, hepatic steatosis was reduced by 45% in the
patient group, with 75% of the participants achieving normal levels of
triglycerides in the liver.
"The combined treatment with insulin and metformin significantly
reduced hepatic steatosis in patients with newly diagnosed type 2
diabetes," the researchers conclude.
Lingvay I, Raskin P, Szczepaniak LS: Effect of
insulin-metformin combination on hepatic steatosis in patients with type 2
diabetes. J Diabetes Complications 21: 137-142, 2007.[Medline]
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