### Can Metformin Help Manage Gestational Diabetes? A recent study explored whether metformin, a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, could be beneficial for pregnant individuals with gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a condition that develops during pregnancy and affects how the body processes sugar. The study found that participants who took metformin gained less weight during their pregnancy and maintained this weight differently at a 12-week post-delivery check-up. Importantly, there was no increase in preterm births among those who took metformin. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Galway, involved over 500 pregnant women. It was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, meaning some participants received metformin while others received a placebo. The results showed that those who took metformin were 25% less likely to need insulin. Even when insulin was necessary, it was introduced later in the pregnancy. Metformin is typically administered as an oral tablet and has been used for many years to treat type 2 diabetes. However, it is not widely used for gestational diabetes because it crosses the placenta. Despite this, the study's findings suggest that metformin can be a safe and effective option for managing gestational diabetes, potentially reducing the need for insulin injections. Experts like Dr. Eran Bornstein from Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital find these results reassuring but caution that more research is needed to confirm the long-term safety of metformin for both mothers and their babies. Dr. Meghana Limaye from NYU Langone Health also emphasized the need for more extensive studies to understand the long-term impacts on infants. Gestational diabetes is a manageable condition, often controlled through diet and lifestyle changes. However, when medication is needed, insulin has traditionally been the first choice because it does not cross the placenta and is safe for the developing baby. The new study offers a promising alternative, but experts agree that more research is necessary before metformin can become a standard treatment for gestational diabetes. ### Key Takeaways - Metformin may help manage gestational diabetes by reducing weight gain and delaying the need for insulin. - The study found no increase in preterm births or adverse neonatal outcomes among those who took metformin. - More research is needed to confirm the long-term safety of metformin for both mothers and their babies.