Changes of blood lactic acid level in senile type 2 diabetes mellitus with metformin treatment

Objective:To evaluate the changes of blood lactic acid level in ageing type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) with metformin treatment.Methods:One hundred and twenty two cases of elderly patients with T2DM in our department were included, the changes of fasting blood glucose(FBG), post blood glucose (PBG), HbA1c,liver and renal function and blood lactic acid were evaluated before and after treatment.Results:The levels of FBG, PBG, HbA1c were significantly reduced after treatment respectively.The liver and renal function had no significantly change after treatment.No lactate acidosis happened in all the 122 elderly patients, 80.5% of blood lactic acid levels were within the normal range, the decline of creatinine clearance rate, complication of heart and lung disease didn't make an elevation of the blood lactic acid level, different doses below 1500 mg daily had no significant differences in the blood lactic acid level.Conclusion:Metformin is safe in the treatment of elderly patient with T2DM.The patient with high risk of lactate acidosis should be monitored the blood lactic acid level during treatment.