An open level study to assess the glycemic control effect of metformin and Pioglitazone as add on therapy along with sulfonylurea in uncomplicated type2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Management of hyperglycemia in type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) becomes the top priority. When single antidiabetic drug is ineffective, combination is required for good glycemic control. There is a dearth of studies that provide head to head comparison of the ability of combinations and therefore need further study. Objectives: To assess and compare the glycemic control and physical parameter altering effect of glibenclamide, glibenclamide & Pioglitazone, glibenclamide & metformin in T2DM. Methods and materials: 100 T2DM patients were selected from outpatients department of medicine following prefixed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fasting and postprandial blood glucose (fbg & ppbg) and physical parameters (waist, hip and thigh circumference) were measured before and after treatment with study drugs and adverse effects of these drugs were recorded. Data were analyzed by employing paired t-test and chi-square test. Results: 11 patients lost the follow up. A some total of 89 middle aged, predominantly male, non obese T2DM patients after exposure to the study drugs showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction of blood glucose from baseline. Reduction of blood glucose and waist: hip ratio were observed significantly (p < 0.05) more with glibenclamide and metformin combination with some tolerable side effects. Discussion: Metformin and Pioglitazone both are insulin sensitizer but metformin & glibenclamide combination showed significantly (p < 0.001) more reduction of fbg, ppbg and central obesity (waist: hip ratio) than Pioglitazone & glibenclamide combination. Therefore Judicious use of low dose of glibenclamide and full dose of metformin become safe, effective and cheap for the treatment of type 2 diabetes patients in poor country like India.