A Comparison of Metformin Versus Guar in Combination with Sulphonylureas in the Treatment of Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes

Summary

Twelve non-obese non insulin dependent diabetics whose mean ± SE fasting blood glucose was 12.9 ± 0.9 mmol/l despite maximal doses of sulphonylureas, received 8 weeks of guar (5 g tid before meals) and 8 weeks of metformin (0.5 g tid) following a six week washout period, in a cross-over design. Guar significantly lowered fasting cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations but did not alter glucose concentrations. Conversely, metformin significantly reduced fasting and post-prandial glucose concentrations but had no influence on plasma lipids.

Key words

Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes - Sulphonylurea - Metformin - Guar - Cholesterol - Glycaemic control