Using Metformin to Manage Blood Sugar in Joint Replacement Surgery Patients

Perioperative Metformin Use in Patients Undergoing Total Joint Replacement Surgery: A Pilot Study

Phase 4 Interventional Oregon Health and Science University · NCT06280274

This study is testing if metformin can help manage blood sugar levels in people having hip or knee replacement surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorOregon Health and Science University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Portland, Oregon)
Trial IDNCT06280274 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial aims to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a larger randomized controlled trial assessing the effects of metformin on blood sugar control in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement surgery. It will involve a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled design to determine timely recruitment, adherence to the metformin regimen, and overall retention of participants. The study will also gather preliminary data on outcomes related to glycemic control post-surgery, which will inform future larger trials.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-99 undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty, regardless of their diabetes status.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced renal insufficiency, liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, or those with type 1 diabetes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve blood sugar management in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, potentially leading to better surgical outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is being explored in this pilot trial, similar studies assessing metformin's effects in surgical settings have shown promise, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female, age 18-99 years
* Undergoing total hip or total knee arthroplasty, including elective, primary, and revision surgeries
* Ability to take oral medication and be willing to adhere to the prescribed metformin regimen regardless of current, past, or no metformin use.

Note: Patients with or without type 2 diabetes are considered eligible. (E.g.)

* Type 2 diabetic on metformin
* Type 2 diabetic on metformin and other medication, including insulin
* Type 2 diabetic on medication but not metformin
* Pre-diabetic
* Non-diabetic

Exclusion Criteria:

* Advanced renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) \< 45, or chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3B or higher)
* Advanced liver cirrhosis or failure (Child-Pugh class B or C)
* Congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 3 or 4)
* Current alcohol abuse within 30 days of surgery (\>4 standard servings daily for men, \>3 standard servings daily for women)
* Type 1 diabetes
* Received contrast dye within 48 hours of surgery
* Vulnerable populations: Children, pregnant women, neonates, decisionally impaired adults, prisoners

Where this trial is running

Portland, Oregon

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HyperglycemiaArthroplastyHipKneeMetforminglycemic variability
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.