Abstract
Background: most individuals with glucose intolerance will eventually develop other metabolic abnormalities making them fit the criteria for a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 2. This is serious because it means that due to the large number of individuals in those categories, a huge number of diabetes mellitus type 2 cases will be diagnosed soon in the future. Therefore, it has become essential to target individuals in these two categories to detect the defects early and prevent the progression to diabetes mellitus type 2 or delay it for the longest possible period.
Methodology: We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, January 1985, through February 2017. The following search terms were used: glucose intolerance, prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, health risks associated with pre-diabetes, management of pre-diabetes, metformin
Aim: In this review, we aim to study the pathophysiology of prediabetes, the risks associated with it, and the its management with metformin
Conclusion: Debates are still present on the best time to start metformin therapy, especially in prediabetic individuals who have a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus type 2 than the general population. Most studies have shown that proper control of prediabetic individuals is associated with improved outcomes and decreased rates of diabetic conversion. Interventions include lifestyle modifications and metformin therapy. Most studies have found that long-term use of metformin in prediabetic patients can significantly decrease the risk of conversion into diabetes mellitus type 2, and prevent diabetes in some cases.