Considering metformin as a second-line treatment for children and adolescents with prediabetes

Abstract

Overweight and obesity affect approximately 1/3 of children in the United States and are risk factors for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Progression from prediabetes to diabetes carries substantial long-term health burdens, culminating in decreased life-expectancy. Earlier development of type 2 diabetes is associated with poorer prognoses, and children lose glycemic control more rapidly than adults. Metformin is approved by the USFDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in children, has limited toxicity, and may help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. The more rapid disease progression in children and the safety of metformin suggests that initiation of metformin treatment to children with prediabetes who have not effectively responded to lifestyle changes may help prevent short- and long-term health damage resulting from prediabetic and diabetic dysglycemia.