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Metformin in the Treatment of Obese Children and Adolescents at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

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Abstract

Metformin is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults, children and young people, particularly in obese or overweight patients. Many studies have demonstrated that metformin is associated with weight reduction in adults and in prevention or delay of T2D onset in those who are at increased risk. In 2012, metformin was recommended by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence as a treatment option in adults aged 18 years or over, who remain at high risk of T2D, despite participation in an intensive lifestyle-change programme. Prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing and is associated with elevated long-term risk of T2D and other adverse cardio-metabolic events; however, consensus is lacking on intervention strategies aimed at reducing this risk. This article discusses the rationale and evidence for the use of metformin in obese children and young people at high risk of T2D.

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Funding and Conflicts of interest

No funding was used to support the preparation of this manuscript. Drs Kendall, Amin and Clayton declare that they have no relevant conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane, Preston, PR2 9HT, UK

    Deborah L. Kendall

  2. Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, Clinical and Molecular Genetics Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, UK

    Rakesh Amin

  3. Child Health and Paediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Peter E. Clayton

  4. Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK

    Peter E. Clayton

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  1. Deborah L. Kendall
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Correspondence to Deborah L. Kendall.

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Kendall, D.L., Amin, R. & Clayton, P.E. Metformin in the Treatment of Obese Children and Adolescents at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Pediatr Drugs 16, 13–20 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40272-013-0045-1

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