Metformin-associated lactic acidosis in an elderly diabetic patient without classical risk factors: a case report
Abstract
Metformin is a cornerstone medication and first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with a well-established safety profile and widespread use over many years. Its most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal in nature. However, the drug carries a rare but serious risk of lactic acidosis. Recognized risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) include renal or hepatic impairment, excessive alcohol consumption, poorly controlled diabetes, ketosis, prolonged fasting, and conditions predisposing to hypoxia. This paper presents a case of MALA in a 75-year-old patient with T2DM and schizophrenia who lacked any typical risk factors. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for this potentially fatal complication in all patients taking metformin. Early recognition and prompt intervention are critical to improving clinical outcomes.
a serious complication in an elderly diabetes patient taking common medication, without known triggers Metformin is the most common and trusted first-choice medicine for type 2 diabetes. It is generally safe, with stomach problems being its main side effect for most people. However, in very rare cases, it can cause a serious condition where too much lactic acid builds up in the blood, called metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA). Doctors know that certain things make this complication more likely, such as kidney or liver problems, heavy drinking, very high blood sugar,…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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