Metformin for the treatment of hyperandrogenism in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

ISRCTN ISRCTN51650949
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN51650949
Secondary identifying numbers Fondecyt Grant 1050452
Submission date
28/01/2013
Registration date
06/02/2013
Last edited
06/02/2013
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
There is an increased prevalence of hyperandrogenism (excessive production of male hormones) in women with type 1 diabetes. We do not know the best treatment for this condition. This study evaluated the effect of an insulin-sensitizing drug called metformin which has been used for the treatment of hyperandrogenism in women without type 1 diabetes. We investigated the effect of metformin on hyperandrogenism and ovulation in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Who can participate?
Women younger than 22 years who have type 1 diabetes and either increased body hair (hirsutism) or elevated androgen plasmatic levels participated.

What does the study involve?
Participants were randomly allocated to take either metformin (850 mg twice a day) or a pill without any medication (placebo twice a day) for nine months. A hormonal study was performed at the beginning and at the end of the study and an assessment of menstrual cycles and presence of ovulation was carried-out throughout the study. No healthy volunteers were included in this study.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The benefits of participating included a monthly evaluation by a nurse and diabetologist.
Side effects were mainly nausea or abdominal discomfort, at the beginning of the treatment. Metformin has been studied in many adults and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and no major side effects have been reported.

Where is the study run from?
The lead centre taking part in this trial is “Instituto de Investigaciones Materno Infantil”, School of Medicine, University of Chile. This is an academic centre located in a General Hospital (Hospital San Borja Arriarán) in Santiago, Chile. Some patients were referred from Hospital Calvo Mackena in Santiago, Hospital de Talca and Concepción (Chile).

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
January 2005 to January 2008.

Who is funding the study?
The study was funded by a Chilean governmental organism, Fondecyt. The support was
started in 2005 and finished in 2008.

Who is the main contact?
Dr. Ethel Codner
ecodner@med.uchile.cl

Contact information

Dr Ethel Codner
Scientific

Casilla 226-3
Santiago
8360160
Chile

Study information

Study design9 months double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Hospital
Study typeTreatment
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titleMetformin for the treatment of hyperandrogenism in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a double blind randomized study
Study objectivesIt is hypothesized that metformin will be a useful treatment for adolescents with type 1 diabetes and hyperandrogenism.
Ethics approval(s)Chilean Ministry of Health, Central Metropolitan Service, Resolution 24/07, 27 August 2004
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedType 1 diabetes
InterventionMetformin 850 mg twice a day or placebo given twice daily.

Total duration of intervention: 9 months

Hormonal measurement in a blood sample at the beginning and end of the protocol

Menstrual cycle duration and ovulation assessment

In order to asses ovulation, measurement of progesterone in blood obtained together with capillary blood glucose measurement.
Intervention typeDrug
Pharmaceutical study type(s)
PhaseNot Applicable
Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s)Metformin
Primary outcome measureHyperandrogenism: One blood sample was obtained at the beginning of the trial (baseline) and a second one was obtained at the end of the trial (9 months).
Secondary outcome measures1. Hirsutism score. A medical control was performed monthly in order to evaluate hirsutism, and for adjusting insulin dose and check possible side effects. Clinical assessment of hirsutism with a visual scale, Ferriman-Gallwey score, was performed monthly.
2. Metabolic control. HbA1c assessment was performed every three months with blood obtained from capillary puncture of the fingers.
3. Ovulatory function. During the nine months protocol, the patients obtained a sample of capillary blood in a filter paper for measurement of progesterone levels and determine the presence of ovulation. The filter paper was obtained in days 18-23-28 of each menstrual cycle. The capillary blood sample was obtained together with the procedure of capillary blood puncture for measuring glucose levels, which the patients do every day.
Overall study start date05/01/2005
Completion date03/01/2008

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
SexFemale
Target number of participants24
Key inclusion criteria1. Type 1 diabetes
2. Insufficient metabolic control
3. Clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism
4. Already had menarche and younger than 22 yr
Key exclusion criteria1. Type 2 or other type of diabetes.
2. Honeymoon period defined as an insulin daily requirement lower than 0.5 U/kg/day and HbA1c lower than 7%.
3. Diabetes duration less than 1.5 years
4. Abnormal thyroid function; elevated creatinine level
5. Use of contraceptive pills, steroids or any other type of medication
6. Presence of other chronic conditions
Date of first enrolment05/01/2005
Date of final enrolment03/01/2008

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Chile

Study participating centre

Casilla 226-3
Santiago
8360160
Chile

Sponsor information

Scientific and Technological Development Fund (FONDECYT Fondo de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico) (Chile)
Government

Bernarda Morin 551
Providencia
Santiago
7500832
Chile

Website http://www.conicyt.cl/fondecyt/
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/02ap3w078

Funders

Funder type

Government

Scientific and Technological Development Fund (FONDECYT Fondo de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico) (Chile) - Chilean government Grant number: 1050452

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Abstract results 01/09/2009 No No