Prevention of Metabolic Complications of Glucocorticoid Excess

According to current estimates, nearly 1% of the general population is treated with long-term glucocorticoids. Chronic hypercortisolism leads to a phenotype that resembles the metabolic syndrome. The investigators have shown that inhibition of adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity in adipose tissue plays a role in corticosteroid-mediated insulin resistance. Metformin, one of the mainstay therapies for type 2 diabetes, is a known activator of AMPK, which mediates its beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. The investigators have shown in an animal model that metformin - via altering AMPK activity - prevents the development of the metabolic complications of glucocorticoid excess, and the investigators wish to confirm this in a human study. The aim of this prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is to investigate the effect of metformin treatment on metabolic parameters in patients on long-term high-dose glucocorticoids. The study is part of the investigators translational project and could rapidly lead to immediate patient benefit, improving quality of life and reducing health care costs for the NHS.