Effect of Metformin on Stroke Outcomes in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide, with individuals living with diabetes at significantly higher risk of poor outcomes following a stroke. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ Open explores whether metformin use before a stroke can improve recovery and survival rates.

Key Findings

Reduced Risk of Poor Outcomes:
Analysis of 11 studies involving 18,525 participants found that patients who had been using metformin before a stroke had a 34% lower risk of poor functional outcomes (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.72).

Lower Mortality Rates:
Prestroke metformin use was also associated with a 43% reduction in mortality risk (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.51 to 0.64), suggesting a protective effect.

Potential Neuroprotective Effects:
The study highlights that metformin may improve stroke outcomes by enhancing energy metabolism, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting neuroprotection.

Clinical Implications

These findings support the potential dual benefits of metformin—not only for diabetes management but also for improving stroke recovery and survival rates. Healthcare professionals may consider:

• Assessing metformin use in at-risk patients as part of stroke prevention strategies.
• Further investigating its long-term neuroprotective effects.
• Exploring how metformin’s anti-inflammatory properties may influence stroke recovery.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis highlights the promising role of metformin in improving stroke outcomes among diabetic patients. While further research is needed to confirm causality, these findings provide a strong case for considering metformin’s neuroprotective potential in stroke care.

Read more:  Effect of metformin on the clinical outcomes of stroke in patients with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis