- EvidenceScore™
- Strong
- Score 79 · Based on 4 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 75
- Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 35
- mixed
Metformin may prevent insulin sensitivity deterioration in adolescents with T1D
Last updated September 9, 2026
Key finding
Mean improvement in ISI ranged from 1.4% to 4.6% in participants on metformin.
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of Metformin on insulin sensitivity in Indian adolescents with Type-1 diabetes, finding varying impacts on insulin sensitivity and risk of double diabetes.
Quick read
Study at a glance
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
What this paper says
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of Metformin on insulin sensitivity in Indian adolescents with Type-1 diabetes, finding varying impacts on insulin sensitivity and risk of double diabetes.
Clinical relevance
These findings suggest that Metformin could be a beneficial addition to the treatment regimen for adolescents with Type-1 diabetes, potentially improving their metabolic health and reducing the risk of complications such as double diabetes. This is particularly relevant in populations where Type-2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent among youth.
Keep in mind
Small sample size limits generalizability. Short duration of the study may not capture long-term effects. Unmeasured confounders could influence outcomes.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Chirantap O, Shruti M, Nikhil S, Chidvilas M, Vaman K, Anuradha K. Effect of Metformin on Insulin Sensitivity in Indian Adolescents with Type-1 Diabetes: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2023;27(3):201-207. doi:10.4103/ijem.ijem_46_23
Main Effects
Metformin improved insulin sensitivity by 4.6%.
Standard care group experienced a deterioration of insulin sensitivity by 14.1%.
12.5% of the Metformin group were at risk of double diabetes.
22.2% of the standard care group were at risk of double diabetes.
Evidence network
How this study fits
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
Evidence Context
This study contributes evidence to Metformin, Standard face-to-face care and Insulin sensitivity, Type 2 diabetes incidence.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Metformin
Primary outcomes
- Insulin sensitivity
- Type 2 diabetes incidence
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Evidence relationships
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
Why this study matters
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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.
4
Related topics
4
Evidence pairs
783
Related studies
Why it is useful
- Contributes to 4 evidence relationships
- Includes primary outcome data
- Linked to 4 direct semantic evidence topics
Topic contributions
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence relationship
Metformin Therapies and Insulin Resistance
Related evidence
Evidence relationship
Metformin Therapies and Diabetes Incidence and Prevention
Save evidence
Evidence topic
Prediabetes
Save evidence
Core evidence
Study findings
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Insulin sensitivity
Standard face-to-face care → Insulin sensitivity
Standard face-to-face care → Insulin sensitivity
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 25
- Negative
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Type 2 diabetes incidence
Standard face-to-face care → Type 2 diabetes incidence
Standard face-to-face care → Type 2 diabetes incidence
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 25
- Negative
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Evidence Library
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Evidence Suggest
- Metformin improved insulin sensitivity by 4.6%.
- Standard care group had a 14.1% decrease in insulin sensitivity.
- Double diabetes risk was 12.5% in the Metformin group versus 22.2% in standard care.
Who this applies to
- Indian adolescents aged 10-19 with Type-1 diabetes.
- Patients currently receiving standard diabetes care.
Keep in Mind
- Results may not apply to other populations outside India.
- Further studies are needed to confirm long-term effects of Metformin.
- The study's small size may affect the reliability of findings.
Between the Lines
- Small sample size limits generalizability.
- Short duration of the study may not capture long-term effects.
- Unmeasured confounders could influence outcomes.
Evidence Library
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Connected Evidence
Explore related studies, evidence collections, and research questions.
Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Metformin Therapies and Insulin Resistance, Metformin Therapies and Diabetes Incidence and Prevention.
Related evidence relationships
Explore in Evidence ExplorerThis study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Metformin Therapies → Insulin Resistance
Medications
- EvidenceScore™
- Strong
- Score 79 · Based on 4 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 75
- Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 35
- mixed
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Included in these evidence collections
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
Insulin Resistance Evidence Hub
All studies measuring Insulin Resistance
Measures Insulin Resistance as a key outcome.
Metformin Therapies Evidence Hub
All studies on Metformin Therapies
Contributes to Metformin Therapies evidence base.
Diabetes Incidence and Prevention Evidence Hub
All studies measuring Diabetes Incidence and Prevention
Measures Diabetes Incidence and Prevention as a key outcome.
Explore more in Evidence Explorer
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All studies on Metformin and Insulin sensitivity
4 results
All studies on Metformin and Type 2 diabetes incidence
1 results
All studies on Metformin
4 results
All studies measuring Insulin sensitivity
4 results
All studies measuring Type 2 diabetes incidence
1 results
Questions answered by this study
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Do Metformin Therapies improve insulin resistance?
Metformin Therapies may improve insulin resistance.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Insulin sensitivity
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 79.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 9 supporting studies with generally consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Do Metformin Therapies reduce diabetes incidence and prevention?
Metformin Therapies may reduce diabetes incidence and prevention.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Type 2 diabetes incidence
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 3 supporting studies with generally consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Does Standard face-to-face care improve insulin sensitivity?
Standard face-to-face care may worsen insulin sensitivity or be associated with harm.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Insulin sensitivity
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | moderate negative | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
Does Standard face-to-face care reduce type 2 diabetes incidence?
Standard face-to-face care may increase type 2 diabetes incidence or be associated with harm.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Type 2 diabetes incidence
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | moderate negative | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
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