Last updated July 5, 2026
Key finding
HbA1c decreased by -0.49 ± 0.13% compared to placebo.
This study evaluated the effects of metformin delayed-release on glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, showing significant reductions in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose compared to placebo.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study evaluated the effects of metformin delayed-release on glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, showing significant reductions in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose compared to placebo.
Improving glycemic control is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of complications. The findings suggest that metformin delayed-release may offer a more tolerable option for patients, potentially enhancing adherence to treatment regimens.
Unclear effectiveness for some outcomes. Limited generalizability due to specific population characteristics. Potential for unmeasured confounders affecting results.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Robert RH, Juan PF, Brandon W, et al. Metformin delayed-release improves glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. PLOS ONE. 2018;13(9):e0203946. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0203946
HbA1c decreased by -0.49% compared to placebo (p=0.05).
HbA1c decreased by -0.62% compared to placebo (p=0.05).
Fasting Plasma Glucose decreased by -22.3 mg/dL compared to placebo (p=0.05).
Fasting Plasma Glucose decreased by -25.1 mg/dL compared to placebo (p=0.05).
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Metformin and Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), HbA1c.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Metformin
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
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2
Evidence pairs
579
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Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence relationship
Related evidence
Evidence relationship
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Evidence topic
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Metformin → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Metformin → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Metformin Therapies and HbA1c, Metformin Therapies and Fasting Glucose.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Medications
Medications
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring HbA1c
Measures HbA1c as a key outcome.
All studies on Metformin Therapies
Contributes to Metformin Therapies evidence base.
All studies measuring Fasting Glucose
Measures Fasting Glucose as a key outcome.
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11 results
5 results
11 results
11 results
5 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Metformin Therapies may improve Fasting Glucose.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 83.2 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 8 supporting studies with generally consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Limitations
Metformin Therapies appears to improve HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 85.2 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Generally Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 13 supporting studies with generally consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Limitations
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