If I am right, insulin used to be be the only drug for pregnant diabetics. But metformin seems to have become popular now a days in pregnant women, with or without insulin. Metformin has apparently got other effects as well. Anybody got more information?

Hi Siby,
You are right. We are routinely using Metformin in our new GDMs and pre-existing T2Ds who become pregnant.
NICE recommended its use in 2008 in their revised guidelines
See sections 1.1.6.1 (page 12) and 1.2.2.12 (page 18) in http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG063Guidance.pdf

And yes, metformin is used in ladies with PCOS.

What is the current treatment approach for metabolic syndrome. I am aware that the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome has changed, IDF says any three of the 5 parameters, viz., raised BP, raised TG, raised waist circumference, low HDL and raised glucose is sufficient for diagnosis. Raised waist circumference is not a must as described earlier. Is there any active treatment regimen needed, or is it prophylactic ?

Reduce insulin resistance - weight loss (life style, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery) and treat components. But I guess weight loss would result in 'curing' (as bariatric surgeons claim) of most of the components.