STUDY OF EFFECT OF METFORMIN ON LIPID PROFILE IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Type 2 diabetes mellitus poses an important health care problem because of its associated two to threefold increased risk of cardiovascular disease and its high prevalence and incidence worldwide. Dyslipidemia is an independent risk factor for severe morbidity and mortality in terms of cardiovascular risk in type-2 DM patients. Studies have shown an association between metformin and lipid profile changes although results are inconclusive. Thus, this study was done to evaluate the changes in serum lipid profiles in patients who are newly started on metformin. It was a prospective, observational and non-interventional study. 50 newly diagnosed patients of type 2 DM were enrolled and started on metformin. Lipid profile was assessed before starting treatment and then after 12 weeks. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test. In results serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and VLDL were significantly decreased after 12 weeks of metformin therapy. The apparent change was also observed in serum LDL and HDL, but it was not statistically significant. Thus, it may be speculated that metformin has beneficial effects on lipid and lipoprotein concentration. It can be particularly more beneficial when type 2 DM coexist with hyperlipidemia. However, long term studies are needed to determine the fact that metformin will help to prevent complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus.