[Metformin - new data for an "old", but efficient, safe and reliable antidiabetic drug]

Metformin is the basic drug of antihyperglycemic therapy in type 2 diabetes: according to actual therapeutic guidelines, it should be given in the absence of contraindications or intolerance during the whole course of the disease even after the initiation of insulin therapy. Recently more and more details have been explored regarding the molecular background of its effects, however, in parallel with the enormous growing knowledge, the number of questions still waiting to be answered has also grown. This review article deals with data already crystallized as well as with details not definitely cleared up. Genetic polymorphisms as well as potential drug interactions influencing the effects of metformin are also briefly summarized.