Prescribing metformin for patients with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia or type 2 diabetes

Metformin hydrochloride is a prescription-only oral medicine that is frequently encountered in clinical practice. It is recommended in most diabetes mellitus guidelines as a first-line treatment option for some people with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia and most people with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is usually well-tolerated and safe if prescribed appropriately. However, despite its common use, there are several important factors that healthcare practitioners need to consider when intending to prescribe metformin and once it has been initiated. This article discusses the use of metformin in non-diabetic hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes, and explores how healthcare practitioners can ensure safe prescribing of this medicine.