Used of oral antidiabetic agents in pediatric patients - own observations

Abstract

Our present investigation demonstrates that in adolescents with various impaired glucose homeostasis oral antidiabetic agents can be used to improve glucose metabolism. Metformin is widely used in pediatric patients and is considered to be the most effective oral agent. Metformin is beneficial in improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, in lowering insulinemia, and in reducing elevated androgen levels. Addition of metformin to insulin in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus improves metabolic control. Metformin acts by promoting glucose utilization and reducing hepatic glucose production. In many patients with type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia can be reduced with appropriate changes in diet and exercise, however, some patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance syndromes need pharmacological therapy to improve their metabolic control. The first oral agent concerned to use should be metformin. More severe pancreatic b-cell dysfunction in the group of children requires insulin therapy. Some forms of monogenic diabetes can be successfully managed by sulphonylurea agents. Metformin should be considered a first-line agent in girls with PCOS. (Pol J Endocrinol 2008; 59 (5): 434-443)