For which condition is metformin indicated as part of treatment?

Metformin is primarily indicated for the management of diabetes mellitus type 2. This condition is characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Metformin works by improving insulin sensitivity, decreasing hepatic glucose production, and enhancing glucose uptake by peripheral tissues. It is often the first-line medication prescribed for individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes because it effectively helps lower blood sugar levels and may also contribute to weight stability or loss, which is particularly beneficial for many patients managing this condition.

In contrast, diabetes mellitus type 1 is an autoimmune condition that results in little to no insulin production, so the treatment typically involves insulin therapy rather than oral medications like metformin. Diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe complication of diabetes, requires immediate hospitalization and insulin therapy to manage the acute metabolic crisis. Gestational diabetes may involve metformin as an option in some cases, but it is not the standard first-line treatment—lifestyle modifications are generally emphasized first, and insulin may be used if necessary. Thus, metformin's primary indication remains firmly within the treatment strategy for type 2 diabetes.