EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF METFORMIN AS MONOTHERAPY IN GESTACIONAL DIABETES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Currently, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects numerous pregnant women, and its incidence has drastically increased due to the population's dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle. Adequate control of this clinical scenario is vital due to the presence of various fetal-maternal complications caused by glycemic dysregulation in these women. This review aimed to analyze controlled clinical trials from PubMed and the Regional Health Library Portal (BVS), totaling 28 articles on the topic, which were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Analysis of the studies revealed that metformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent with considerable efficacy and safety for GDM management, presenting benefits comparable to those of insulin use. Additionally, in a smaller number of articles, reports of complications were also found, with the most prevalent being the birth of small-for-gestational-age babies and an increased risk of preterm births.