Effects of Temporarily Stopping Metformin on Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Control in Adults With Metabolic Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying adults with metabolic syndrome who have been taking metformin as part of their usual care to understand how temporarily stopping metformin affects insulin sensitivity, glucose control, and metabolic flexibility. This study compares the effects of stopping metformin for 14 days to continuing the usual treatment. It aims to learn if short interruptions in metformin use cause rapid changes in glucose metabolism or if previous treatment effects persist during this period. Participants are randomly assigned to either stop metformin for 14 days or continue their regular metformin treatment. Those stopping metformin attend study visits on days 0, 4, 7, and 14, undergoing oral glucose tolerance tests, blood sampling, and indirect calorimetry before and after glucose intake. They also wear a continuous glucose monitor throughout the 14 days. Participants continuing metformin have visits on days 0 and 14 with similar tests but no glucose monitoring device. Throughout the study, researchers measure insulin resistance, glucose levels, metabolic flexibility, blood lipids, liver and inflammatory markers, kidney function, blood pressure, and heart rate. Continuous glucose monitoring helps detect any unsafe glucose increases. The main outcomes focus on changes in insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and average glucose levels over the 14-day intervention. Participation lasts for the 14-day treatment period with several study visits and monitoring.

Metformin Withdrawal In Metabolic Syndrome