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Published on: April 28, 2016
Metformin increases plasma ghrelin in Type 2 diabetes
Matthew P Doogue1, Evan J Begg, M Peter Moore
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Metformin treatment for Type 2 diabetes increased ghrelin levels, an appetite hormone. This rise may be linked to improved blood sugar control rather than direct effects on appetite or weight management.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metformin is a key antihyperglycemic drug for Type 2 diabetes, notably not causing weight gain.
- Ghrelin, a hormone stimulating appetite, has variable concentrations linked to food intake, obesity, and diabetes control.
- Existing research on metformin's impact on ghrelin is conflicting, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of metformin on plasma ghrelin concentrations in Type 2 diabetes patients.
- To assess metformin's influence on appetite and satiety in this patient group.
- To clarify the relationship between metformin, ghrelin, and metabolic parameters.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 18 Type 2 diabetes patients before and after 6 weeks of metformin treatment (titrated to 1g twice daily).
- Standardized meals were administered, with plasma samples collected at regular intervals.
- Measurements included plasma ghrelin, insulin, glucose, adiponectin, leptin, and subjective appetite/satiety using visual analogue scales.
Main Results:
- Metformin treatment significantly increased plasma ghrelin concentrations by 24% (P=0.003).
- Concurrently, glucose and insulin levels decreased by 19% (P < 0.001 for both).
- No significant changes were observed in hunger, satiety, adiponectin, or leptin levels.
Conclusions:
- Metformin therapy in Type 2 diabetes is associated with elevated plasma ghrelin levels.
- The observed increase in ghrelin did not correlate with changes in appetite or satiety.
- The ghrelin increase is likely a secondary effect of improved glycemic control, not a primary mediator of weight effects.
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