Metformin Powder Formulation Compared to Metformin Tablets on Glycemic Control and on Treatment Satisfaction in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The aim of this study was to evaluate if the new metformin powder formulation improves the treatment satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes, in a case-control clinical trial. We enrolled 602 subjects in therapy with metformin in tablets formulation and instructed them to take the same dose of metformin in the new powder formulation. At baseline, and after 6 months since the assumption of metformin powder, each patient answered the following questionnaires: the SF-36 Health Survey, the Diabetes Quality Of Life questionnaire Modified (DQOL/Mod), and the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ). We also assessed the following at baseline, at 3 and 6 months: fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial glucose (PPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), and homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We observed a statistically significant reduction in HbA(1c), FPG, PPG, FPI, and HOMA-IR (P <. 05 for all) with metformin powder. The DTSQ questionnaire showed a higher level of satisfaction linked to the assumption of metformin powder compared to the tablets formulation. In conclusion, metformin powder formulation seems to be more appropriate for the treatment of diabetic patients. The improvement of glycemic control suggests a better adherence to the powder formulation.