Long-term effects of metformin use in gestational diabetes mellitus on offspring health

摘要

Metformin is the first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus,but its role in gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)management is not clear.Recent evidence suggests a certain beneficial effect of metformin in the treatment of GDM,but a high treatment failure rate leads to the initiation of additional medications,such as insulin.Moreover,since metformin crosses the placental barrier and reaches a significant level in the fetus,it is likely to influence the fetal metabolic milieu.The evidence indicates the long-term safety in children exposed to metformin in utero except for mild adverse anthropometric profiles.Diligent follow-up of metformin-exposed offspring is warranted from the clinician’s point of view.