Could a simple diabetes pill before surgery reduce complications?
NCT ID NCT02571608
First seen Jul 10, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether people with type 2 diabetes who take their usual metformin on the morning of surgery have better blood sugar control and fewer problems like infections. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either metformin or a placebo before their operation. The goal is to see if this simple change can improve recovery and shorten hospital stays.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Metformin
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could show that continuing metformin before surgery improves blood sugar control and reduces complications like infections.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study focused on feasibility, not a large trial. It may not prove clear benefits, and there is a risk of hypoglycemia or other side effects.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Expected to start
-
Jan 2022
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2022
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 75 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * ages 18 - 75, using metformin for control of Type II Diabetes mellitus, American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) I, II and III, informed consent, surgery in which less than 1000 mL of blood loss is expected. Exclusion Criteria: * renal failure, liver failure, Congestive heart failure (CHF), previous episodes of hypoglycemia, conditions which mask symptoms of hypoglycemia (autonomic neuropathy or chronic high dose beta-blocker usage), low capillary blood sugar (CBG) (≤4.0 mmol/L) at pre-operative appointment date, same day surgery, any patient who received contrast dye within 2 days of the planned surgery or requires intra-operative contrast dye and same day surgery.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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