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Clinical Trial: Probiotics in Metformin Intolerant Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (ProGasMet)
Katarzyna Nabrdalik1, Karolina Drożdż1, Hanna Kwiendacz1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Diabetology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Poniatowskiego 15, 40-055 Katowice, Poland.
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|October 9, 2023
Summary
A multi-strain probiotic significantly reduced gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and bloating in patients with type 2 diabetes taking metformin. This probiotic supplementation improved metformin tolerability for individuals experiencing adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiome research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metformin is a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects affect 2-13% of metformin users.
- Metformin's impact on gut microbiota suggests a role for probiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of multi-strain probiotics in mitigating metformin-induced GI symptoms.
- To assess the impact of probiotics on metformin tolerability in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial (ProGasMet study).
- 37 patients with metformin intolerance received either probiotic or placebo for 12 weeks, then crossed over.
- Primary outcome: reduction in GI adverse events associated with metformin.
Main Results:
- Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced nausea incidence and severity.
- Significant reductions in frequency and severity of abdominal bloating/pain were observed.
- Self-assessed metformin tolerability significantly improved with probiotic use; diarrhea incidence reduced in one arm.
Conclusions:
- Multi-strain probiotics effectively diminish GI adverse effects in type 2 diabetes patients experiencing metformin intolerance.
- Probiotic intervention offers a potential strategy to improve metformin adherence and patient outcomes.
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