Metformin-Induced Lactic Acidosis: A Case Study

Metformin is the first line management for patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin-induced lactic acidosis (MALA) is a severe side effect of metformin in high doses. However, there have not been many reported cases of MALA. The threshold metformin concentration needed to induce lactic acidosis is still not fully understood. It is important for physicians to measure metformin levels upon admission in Type 2 diabetes patients who take metformin and present with suspected lactic acidosis. We present a case of a 40-year-old Caucasian male who presented with severe lactic acidosis shortly after overdosing on metformin.