The Effects of Metformin Drug in Diabetic Patients Suffering from Concomitant Infection with Covid-19; A Review Study

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 MSc Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Torbatjam Faculty of Medical Sciences, Torbat Jam, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Cancer Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common co-morbidities and is associated with worse results in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The results showed that mortality was reduced among diabetics taking metformin compared with those not taking metformin. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of providing reliable and up-to-date evidence about the effects of metformin drug in diabetic patients suffering from concomitant infection with COVID-19.
Methods: In this review, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases starting in December 2019 to find studies. We carried out a systematic search of English texts using the keywords "metformin" or "biguanides" and "coronavirus disease 2019" or "COVID-19". After reviewing the titles, summaries and complete texts, 28 studies were eventually included in the study.
Findings: The review found that most studies showed reduced mortality among metformin users compared to non-users among diabetics with COVID-19. In addition, the results indicate that metformin may inhibit viruses by increasing insulin susceptibility. However, some studies do not support the impact of metformin on
mortality reduction.
Conclusion: Results from this study show that metformin use in diabetic patients with COVID-19 is associated with decreased mortality. Of course, randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm this outcome.

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 40, Issue 702
2nd Week, March
March and April 2023
Pages 1096-1102

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 November 2022
  • Revise Date: 18 March 2023
  • Accept Date: 13 February 2023

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