Abstract
The prevalence of type diabetes mellitus, in particular type 2, is currently increasing worldwide. Recent large scale studies have shown that the most important factor influencing the rate of long term complications in patients with diabetes is its timely diagnosis and early intensive treatment starting immediately after diagnosis combined with efficacious intervention of other cardiovascular risk factors.
Metformin, the drug from the biguanide group, represents the first choice treatment in all patients with type 2 diabetes who do not have contraindications of its use. Metformin treatment should be started right after the diagnosis of diabetes and titrated up to 2-3 grams/day.
The leading position of metformin in type 2 diabetes treatment algorithm is due to its good efficacy and safety, low cost, established protective effects against macro- and microvascular complications of diabetes and its other positive effects including an-ticipated protection against some malignancies. The aim of this paper is to summarize current knowledge and practical aspects of the use of metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.