A third ditch diabetes pills

ALMOST a third of Type 2 diabetics on the most common drug do not take it over side-effect fears.

A study found some 30% of metformin doses are not used while only 10% to 20% of newer DPP4 inhibitor doses are snubbed.

Metformin causes symptoms such as diarrhoea and flatulence but DPP4s are generally better tolerated.

Dr Andy McGovern, of the University of Surrey, said: “The importance of taking medication cannot be underestimated.”