The effect of glibenclamide and metformin on serum lipoproteins in type 2 diabetes.

In a cross-over study, the effects of 3 months treatment with metformin or glibenclamide on body weight, blood glucose control, and serum lipoproteins were compared in 35 Type 2 diabetic patients, inadequately controlled by dietary therapy alone. Glibenclamide alone increased body weight (mean change +2.75 kg; 95% confidence intervals +1.95 to +3.55 kg; p less than 0.0001). Glibenclamide and metformin achieved equivalent blood glucose control, independent of initial body mass index. Neither drug affected serum triglyceride concentration. Metformin alone significantly reduced low density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean change -0.34 mmol l-1; 95% confidence intervals -0.12 to -0.57 mmol l-1; p less than 0.01). Neither drug altered high density lipoprotein or subfraction cholesterol.