Publication:

Study of effects of metformin on C-reactive protein level in Type-2 diabetes mellitus

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is extremely common; represent a significant global health problem. Type-2 DM is considered to be associated with a low grade inflammation, which may play a significant role in development of cardiovascular complications evidenced by C-reactive protein (CRP) is a an extremely sensitive marker of systemic inflammation. The study was undertaken to check the effect of metformin on CRP level in Type-2 DM.

Methods The study was prospective and non-randomized. Thirty newly diagnosed Type-2 DM selected for metformin therapy by medicine personnel were enrolled in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into pre-treatment (before starting metformin therapy) and post-treatment group. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PP2BS), CRP level were measured at the time of enrolment and 3 months after starting metformin monotherapy.

Results Results were analyzed using pair t-test. Metformin therapy was found to decrease CRP level significantly along with FBS, PP2BS level. p<0.05 value considered as statistically significant. Value was expressed as mean ± standard deviation.

Conclusions Treatment with 3 months metformin monotherapy for newly diagnosed Type-2 DM has shown a significant decrease in high-sensitivity-CRP level in Type 2 diabetes. This positive effect may be because of the decreased in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and other mediators, including adhesion molecules, suggests that these processes may contribute to atherogenesis because atherosclerosis is also an inflammatory condition. However, this effect is probably dependent on improving glycemic control.