The influence of phenformin on lactate metabolism in diabetic patients in relation to hypoxia and exercise.

Abstract

Abstract. The influence of phenformin therapy for 2 days on lactate metabolism has been examined in 10 stable diabetics and 1 obese non‐diabetic with a family history of diabets in relation to hypoxia and exercise. Phenformin significantly increased the basal lactate and pyruvate production and augmented the production of lactate after hypoxia. During severe exercise and hypoxia phenformin had no additional effect, but the elimination of accumulated lactate, pyruvate and excess lactate was significantly decreased 60–90 min after cessation of the exercise and hypoxia. The effect was most evident in exhausted an untrained individuals, especially two females. The observed effect of phenformin is regarded as an integrated part of the antidiabetic, hypoglycemic effect with relation to the decreased ability of the diabetic organism to eliminate accumulated lactate by increasing gluconeogenesis. It is also regarded as a potentially toxic effect contributing to hyperlactatemia when other predisposing factors are present.