Description
Metformin Associated Lactic Acidoisis (MALA) has
been reported to be a very rare but serious side effect of
metformin treatment with a fatality rate of 50%. However,
with the number of patients on metformin increasing the
incidence of MALA is likely to increase. We aim to raise the
awareness of MALA and prompt acute physicians to
consider this diagnosis in the acutely unwell diabetic patient
on metformin. We present 3 cases that presented with
MALA in the course of 6 months, all of whom survived.
We discuss metformin, its effects and lactic acidosis. We
encourage effective prompt resuscitation of these individuals
to increase survival.
