Minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia with vildagliptin: Clinical experience, mechanistic basis, and importance in type 2 diabetes management

The Impact of Adding Prandial Insulin to a Basal Based Regimen with Insulin Glargine in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a progressive disease that should be managed with insulin in case of oral glucose lowering drugs (OGLDs) failure. If basal insulin is not sufficient, rapid acting insulin will be added before the largest meal. We assessed the impact of adding one prandial insulin to a basal based regimen and insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes to measure the percentage of subjects achieving the HbA1c target by the end of 24 weeks of treatment in routine clinical practice. Methods: This study was a 24-week observational study of patients with T2D not adequately controlled with OGLDs and basal insulin, for whom the physician had decided to initiate prandial insulin. The study endpoint was assessed at visit 1 (baseline), visit 2 at week 12 (±1 week) and visit 3 at week 24 (±1 week). The percentage of patients who achieved HbA1c targets was assessed at week 24. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS for Windows v 19 (IBM, Armonk, New York, USA). Logistic regression analysis was used to detect predicting factors of achieving the HbA1c target by week 24. P<0.05 was considered as significant level. Results : Four hundred and eighteen patients with a mean±SD age of 56.24±9.85 years and a mean±SD duration of diabetes of 12.50±7.16 years were included. The median total daily dose of basal insulin was 24 units, while prandial insulin was started with 6 (4, 10) U/day, titrating up to 10 (8, 18) U/day at week 24. The daily dose of prandial insulin was the only factor that could significantly predict achieving targeted HbA1c by week 24 [OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.007,1.079; p-value: 0.019]. At week 24, 96 (22.9%) subjects achieved the HbA1c target with one prandial insulin. Conclusion : The results of our study suggest that "basal plus therapy" can lead to good glycemic control with a low risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Recent therapeutic targets in diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has been increased dramatically which in turn leads to complications including cardiovascular diseases, diabetic kidney disease, and substantially end-stage renal disease.

METHODS

We reviewed articles discussing the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy with new agents that may be useful in the management of the disease. We used PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Open-access searching engines.

RESULTS

The recent recommendations primarily depend on glycaemic and blood pressure control and the use of standard renin-angiotensin system blockade. Currently, the use of agents with nephroprotective effects beyond the hyperglycaemic lowering effect has been evidenced clinically.

CONCLUSIONS

In his review, the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and lines of treatment of diabetic nephropathy are discussed. In addition, a focus on the clinical role and nephroprotective effects of the emerging therapeutic class, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, is addressed in detail.

Vildagliptin vs. insulin treatment alone in diabetic acute coronary syndrome patients

BACKGROUND

Vildagliptin, an oral antidiabetic of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor drugs, exhibits an overall low risk of hypoglycemia with less frequent hypoglycemic events in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients than other antidiabetic drugs. We hypothesized that among hospitalized acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, the addition of vildagliptin to subcutaneous insulin therapy would reduce the risk of hypoglycemic events.

METHODS

One hundred ACS T2DM adult patients naive to DPP-4 inhibitors were enrolled during admission to the ICCU. Patients were divided into two randomized controlled groups: a subcutaneous rapid-acting insulin-only therapy group and an oral vildagliptin plus subcutaneous insulin group. The trial was open label with no placebo arm. Mean glucose values, insulin values given for correction per hospitalization, and the number of hypoglycemic events (glucose < 70 mg/dL) were documented.

RESULTS

Eight hypoglycemia events occurred in the insulin-only group and none in the insulin plus DPP-4 inhibitor group (P < 0.001). Patients with acute myocardial infarction experienced a higher number of hypoglycemic events compared with unstable angina diagnosed patients. No significant differences were found regarding glucose level (P = 0.462) and administered insulin units (P = 0.639).

CONCLUSIONS

In T2DM patients, the addition of DPP-4 inhibitors to routine subcutaneous insulin therapy may significantly reduce hypoglycemic events while maintaining acceptable recommended ranges of glucose. Further studies on a larger scale are required to verify these results and to support that DPP-4 inhibitors added to today's standard insulin-only treatment in hospitalized diabetic ACS patients may improve overall glycemic control and provide a potential treatment option in this challenging clinical setting.

Factors associated with the discontinuation of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) after initiation of insulin

Objective: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent health problem. Oral agents, with the exception of metformin, are often discontinued with the initiation of insulin. The objective was to understand the proportion of patients discontinuing dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) and the reasons for the decision to discontinue.Methods: A retrospective study using a health claims database investigated discontinuation of DPP-4i in adult patients on a dual therapy of metformin and DPP-4i who initiated insulin (n = 3391). An online survey administered to 406 physicians in the US examined reasons for discontinuation. Physicians surveyed included endocrinologists (34.5%), general practitioners (32.5%), internal medicine specialists (30.5%), and diabetologists (2.5%), treating a monthly average of 154 patients.Results: Among patients treated with metformin and DPP-4is who were newly prescribed insulin, 33.3 and 57.3% discontinued DPP-4i therapy within 3 and 12 months, respectively. Patients who discontinued DPP-4i therapy had higher out-of-pocket costs and a greater proportion of renal and liver disease. Top 3 responses for discontinuation included adverse events/tolerability issues (58.9%), lack of efficacy/treatment goals not being met (55.4%) and additional cost of DPP-4i with insulin (48.5%). Top 3 responses for continuing DPP-4i included meeting treatment goals (70.7%), using a lower dose of insulin (65.3%) and good tolerability (48.0%). Physician characteristics, such as physician specialty, age, gender and location impacted to some extent the reasons for treatment decisions.Conclusions: A large proportion of patients discontinue DPP-4is in the real world when initiating insulin. The impact of physician characteristics in treatment decisions highlights the need for enhanced physician training and support as new clinical data emerges and therapy options are available.

Pharmacology of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and its use in the management of metabolic syndrome: a comprehensive review on drug repositioning

OBJECTIVES

Despite advances in our understanding of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the treatment of each of its components separately, currently there is no single therapy approved to manage it as a single condition. Since multi-drug treatment increases drug interactions, decreases patient compliance and increases health costs, it is important to introduce single therapies that improve all of the MetS components.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted a PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, US FDA, utdo.ir and clinicaltrial.gov search, gathered the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies that have been published since 2010, and discussed the beneficial effects of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors to prevent and treat different constituent of the MetS as a single therapy. Furthermore, the pharmacology of DPP-4 inhibitors, focusing on pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions and their side effects are also reviewed.

RESULTS

DPP-4 inhibitors or gliptins are a new class of oral anti-diabetic drugs that seem safe drugs with no severe side effects, commonly GI disturbance, infection and inflammatory bowel disease. They increase mass and function of pancreatic β-cells, and insulin sensitivity in liver, muscle and adipose tissue. It has been noted that gliptin therapy decreases dyslipidemia. DPP-4 inhibitors increase fatty oxidation, and cholesterol efflux, and decrease hepatic triglyceride synthase and de novo lipogenesis. They delay gastric emptying time and lead to satiety. Besides, gliptin therapy has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic impacts, and improves endothelial function and reduces vascular stiffness.

CONCLUSION

The gathered data prove the efficacy of DPP-4 inhibitors in managing MetS in some levels beyond anti-diabetic effects. This review could be a lead for designing new DPP-4 inhibitors with greatest effects on MetS in future. Introducing drugs with polypharmacologic effects could increase the patient's compliance and decrease the health cost that there is not in multi-drug therapy. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Effect of Vildagliptin Versus Sulfonylurea in Muslim Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Fasting During Ramadan in Egypt: Results from VIRTUE Study

INTRODUCTION

Fasting in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with high risk of hypoglycemia. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of vildagliptin in T2DM patients fasting during Ramadan in a real-life setting in Egypt.

METHODS

In this 16-week prospective and noninterventional study, data were collected up to 6 weeks before and after Ramadan fasting. Patients who had received vildagliptin or sulfonylurea (SU) either as dual therapy with metformin or as monotherapy were enrolled into the study.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty four patients were enrolled in the study, out of which 246 [121 (97.6%) treated with vildagliptin and 125 (99.2%) with SU] were included in the safety analysis set. A significantly lower proportion of patients experienced ≥1 hypoglycemic event (HE) with vildagliptin as compared to those receiving SUs (1.7% vs. 19.2%, respectively; p < 0.001). No patient in either group reported a grade 2 HE. At week 16, mean change in HbA1c from baseline for vildagliptin and SU were -0.1% and +0.3%, respectively, with a between-treatment difference of -0.4% (p < 0.001). Mean change in body weight from baseline for vildagliptin and SU were -0.8 and -0.1 kg, with a between-treatment difference of -0.7 kg (p = 0.011). A higher proportion of SU-treated patients experienced adverse events compared to those treated with vildagliptin (23.2% vs. 5.8%, respectively), the primary reason being the high incidence of hypoglycemia in the SU group (n = 24, 19.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with vildagliptin was associated with lower incidence of hypoglycemia compared with SU and showed good glycemic and weight control in patients with T2DM fasting during Ramadan in a real-life setting in Egypt.

FUNDING

Novartis Pharma AG.

Use of a basal-plus insulin regimen in persons with type 2 diabetes stratified by age and body mass index: A pooled analysis of four clinical trials

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding a single bolus dose of insulin glulisine to basal insulin ('basal-plus') in persons with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Data from patients with poor glycemic control on oral antihyperglycemic drugs who were initiated on a 'basal-plus' regimen for up to 6 months were pooled from four randomized, multicenter studies. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose (PPG), insulin dose and demographics were measured at baseline and end of study.

RESULTS

711 patients with a mean age of 59.9 years and a mean duration of diabetes of 11.0 years were included in the analysis population. A 'basal-plus' regimen was associated with significant decreases in HbA1c and PPG at 6 months, an increase in glargine and glulisine doses and small, but statistically significant, changes in body weight and BMI in all patient subsets. The proportion of patients with HbA1c<7% also increased in all populations studied, while the prevalence of severe hypoglycemia was low and did not significantly differ across patient groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the use of 'basal-plus' can achieve a good therapeutic response with a low risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain, regardless of a patient's age or BMI.

Improved glucose control with reduced hypoglycaemic risk when linagliptin is added to basal insulin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To assess the efficacy, hypoglycaemia risk and other safety markers of linagliptin as an additional therapy in older patients (aged ≥70 years) inadequately controlled with basal insulin.

METHODS

A prespecified safety analysis from the linagliptin trials programme was carried out to explore the hypoglycaemia risk when linagliptin was added to background basal insulin therapy in elderly patients (≥70 years). To do this, two eligible, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials (NCT00954447 and NCT01084005) of 24 and ≥52 weeks, respectively, were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 247 elderly individuals [mean ± standard deviation (s.d.) age 74 ± 4 years, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.2 ± 0.8%] on basal insulin (mean ± s.d. baseline dose 36 ± 25 IU/day) were identified. Alongside placebo-adjusted change in HbA1c with linagliptin of -0.77% [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.95 to 0.59; p < 0.0001] after 24 weeks, the hazard ratios (HRs) of both overall and confirmed hypoglycaemia [blood glucose ≤3.9 mmol/l (70 mg/dl)], were significantly lower with linagliptin than with placebo: HR 0.61 (95% CI 0.39-0.97) versus 0.59 (95% CI 0.37-0.94), respectively (both p < 0.05). Moreover, significantly less confirmed hypoglycaemia was present in linagliptin-treated patients with renal impairment [HR 0.45 (95% CI 0.27-0.76)], moderate hyperglycaemia [HbA1c 7.5 to <9.0%; HR 0.51 (95% CI 0.27-0.99)], lower fasting plasma glucose levels [<152 mg/dl; HR 0.49 (95% CI 0.28-0.86)] and those treated with higher insulin doses [insulin ≥35.6 IU/day; HR 0.46 (95% CI 0.23-0.91); p < 0.05 for all]. Severe hypoglycaemia was rare and the incidence was lower with linagliptin (0.8%) versus placebo (2.5%): HR 0.21 (95% CI 0.02-2.30).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite improvements in hyperglycaemia and no relevant on-trial insulin dose reductions, adding linagliptin to basal insulin appears to decrease hypoglycaemia risk. The biological basis of this phenomenon warrants further research but may involve counter-regulatory effects of incretin hormones.

Hypoglycemia hospitalization frequency in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a comparison of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors and insulin secretagogues using the French health insurance database

Aim

We aimed to compare the frequency of severe hypoglycemia leading to hospitalization (HH) and emergency visits (EV) for any cause in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus exposed to dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors (DPP4-i) versus those exposed to insulin secretagogues (IS; sulfonylureas or glinides).

Methods

Data were extracted from the EGB (Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires) database, comprising a representative sample of ~1% of patients registered in the French National Health Insurance System (~600,000 patients). Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients exposed to regimens containing either a DPP4-i (excluding treatment with IS, insulin, or glucagon-like peptide 1 analog) or IS (excluding treatment with insulin and any incretin therapy) between 2009 and 2012 were selected. HH and EV during the exposure periods were identified in both cohorts. A similar analysis was conducted considering vildagliptin alone versus IS. Comparative analyses adjusting for covariates within the model (subjects matched for key characteristics) and using multinomial regression models were performed.

Results

Overall, 7,152 patients exposed to any DPP4-i and 1,440 patients exposed to vildagliptin were compared to 10,019 patients exposed to IS. Eight patients (0.11%) from the DPP4-i cohort and none from the vildagliptin cohort (0.0%) were hospitalized for hypoglycemia versus 130 patients (1.30%) from the IS cohort (138 hospitalizations) (P=0.02 and P<0.0001, respectively). Crude rates of HH/1,000 patient-years were 1.4 (95% CI: 0.7; 2.4) in the DPP4-i cohort, 0.0 in the vildagliptin cohort (95% CI: 0.0; 4.0), versus 5.6 (95% CI, 4.7; 6.6) in the IS cohort (P<0.0001). After adjustments, rates per 1,000 patient-years of HH were 1.4 (95% CI: 0.7; 2.4) with DPP4-i versus 7.5 (95% CI: 6.0; 9.2) with IS (P<0.0001), and 0.0 (95% CI: 0.0; 4.0) with vildagliptin versus 13.6 (95% CI: 10.4; 17.5) with IS (P<0.0001). Adjusted EV rates were also significantly lower with all DPP4-i or with vildagliptin, as compared to IS (P<0.0001). Consistent results were found when considering only treatment initiations for all compared cohorts.

Conclusion

HH and EV were significantly less frequent in patients exposed to any DPP4-i or to vildagliptin versus IS. These real-life data should be considered in the benefit/risk evaluation of the drugs.

Effect of diabetic education on the knowledge, attitude and practices of diabetic patients towards prevention of hypoglycemia

AIMS

To assess the role of diabetic education in increasing awareness about hypoglycemia and decreasing hypoglycemic symptoms in diabetics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a longitudinal study involving the use of a structured questionnaire for obtaining baseline information related to knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of diabetic patients regarding hypoglycemia. Then the patients were given diabetic education by the treating doctor regarding hypoglycemia, its symptoms and prevention; the effect of which was assessed by repeating the same questionnaire after a month. The occurrence of hypoglycemic symptoms was also compared before and after diabetic education.

RESULTS

There is a significant improvement in all parameters like KAP with diabetic education. The hypoglycemic episodes also decrease significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Proper diabetic education is seen to improve the knowledge and attitude of the diabetic patients toward hypoglycemia. This leads to improved practices of such patients and decrease hypoglycemic episodes in them.

Fasting during Ramadan: efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability of vildagliptin in diabetic patients

Diabetes management during Ramadan fasting is challenging to the physician in terms of minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia. As compared to oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) and sulfonylureas (SUs), which carry a higher and significant risk of hypoglycemia, newer antidiabetic agents such as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have demonstrated lower risk of hypoglycemia during Ramadan fasting, with better patient compliance. In addition to diabetes education and pre-Ramadan assessments, the physician should also consider use of DPP-4 inhibitors (such as vildagliptin) during Ramadan fasting to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetic subjects. Severe episodes of hypoglycemia have been demonstrated in recent research and clinical trials with OHAs/SUs. Conversely, these research observations have also demonstrated comparative safety and efficacy with lower risk of hypoglycemia associated with vildagliptin. Current research review has collected evidence-based clinical trials and observations for the drug vildagliptin to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia during Ramadan fasting, while at the same time focusing the role of diabetes self-management education (DSME), pre-Ramadan assessments, and patient care.

Incretin therapies in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and renal impairment

Renal impairment (RI) is common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and these patients also experience an age-related decline in renal function. At the same time, treatment options are more limited and treatment is more complex, particularly in patients with moderate or severe RI due to contraindications, need for dose adjustment and/or regular monitoring, and side effects, such as fluid retention and hypoglycemia, which are a more serious concern in this patient population. Incretin therapies, consisting of the injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and the oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, are a promising new class of antihyperglycemic drugs. In the overall population, they improve glycemic control in a glucose-dependent manner and are not likely to cause hypoglycemia, representing a clear advantage in at-risk populations. Data regarding use of these agents in renally impaired patients have started to emerge, and the objective of this article is to provide an overview of the currently available data and the potential role of these novel agents in the management of patients with T2DM and RI. Data for the GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with moderate or severe RI are still limited, with no trials dedicated to these populations currently published. In addition, their potential to cause gastrointestinal side effects may limit use in patients with RI due to the risk of dehydration and hypovolemia. The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with moderate or severe RI is therefore, at present, underlying caution and/or restrictions. On the other hand, data from specific trials in patients with moderate or severe RI are now becoming available for most of the DPP-4 inhibitors. These studies demonstrate good efficacy and tolerability of the DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with moderate or severe RI, thus opening a place for these therapies in the treatment of populations with T2DM and RI. Several of the DPP-4 inhibitors are already approved for use in patients with moderate or severe RI, including for those with end-stage renal disease. While discussing the advantages related to their common mechanism of action, this article also describes differences among the DPP-4 inhibitors (eg, related to their pharmacokinetic properties and the available clinical data). In conclusion, while initial data for these new therapies are promising, further experience is needed to fully assess the risk-benefit balance and clinical positioning of these agents in RI populations.

Use of Vildagliptin in Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Effectiveness, Treatment Persistence and Safety from the 2-Year Real-Life VILDA Study

INTRODUCTION

There is an increasing interest for real-life data on drug use in many countries. Reimbursement authorities more and more request observational studies to assess the conditions of use of the products but also to improve knowledge about efficacy and safety in the real world and on a longer term than in clinical trials.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness, treatment persistence and tolerability of vildagliptin in clinical practice.

METHODS

This observational, 2-year prospective cohort study was conducted in France on request of the Health Authorities [Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS)]. Type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients initiating vildagliptin (including the fixed combination vildagliptin-metformin) or treated for <6 months were recruited through a national representative sample of general practitioners (GPs) (n = 482) and diabetologists (n = 84) between March 2010 and December 2011. At inclusion and each follow-up visit at ~ 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, a questionnaire was completed by the physician collecting information on socio-demographic, clinical and biological data, treatments and adverse events.

RESULTS

1,700 patients were included: 60% were males, aged 63 ± 11 years, with diabetes duration 7 ± 6 years and body mass index (BMI) 30 ± 6 kg/m(2). 45% were obese, 70% treated for hypertension and 66% for dyslipidemia. 64% of the patients received vildagliptin in dual therapy with metformin. 82% of patients completed the 2-year follow-up. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) decreased from a mean baseline of 7.8 ± 1.2% when vildagliptin was started, to 7.0 ± 1.1% at 6 months and remained stable thereafter over 2 years. Mean weight, glomerular filtration rate, liver enzymes, and lipid parameters were unchanged over the study period. Eight patients (0.5%), all concomitantly treated with insulin and/or sulphonylureas, reported one severe hypoglycemia and 47 (2.9%) patients reported 64 non-severe symptomatic hypoglycemia (59% occurred when patients were treated with insulin and/or sulphonylureas). At 6 months, 44.9% of vildagliptin-treated patients reached an HbA1c <7% without hypoglycemia and no weight gain, and this percentage increased to 49.7% at 24 months. Vildagliptin treatment maintenance at 2 years was 88.8% [95% CI (87.2%; 90.4%)], with 4% of patients discontinuing for adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

In everyday conditions of care, vildagliptin efficacy was in line with existing data from randomized clinical trials, sustained over 2 years, with low discontinuation rate and low hypoglycemia risk.

Experience with DPP-4 inhibitors in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes fasting during Ramadan

A large proportion of Muslim patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) elect to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. For these patients hypo- and hyperglycemia constitute two major complications associated with the profound changes in food pattern during the Ramadan fast, and efficacious treatment options with a low risk of hypoglycemia are therefore needed to manage their T2DM as effectively and safely as possible. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors modulate insulin and glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, and consequently a low propensity of hypoglycemia has consistently been reported across different patient populations with these agents. Promising data with DPP-4 inhibitors have now also started to emerge in patients with T2DM fasting during Ramadan. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the currently available evidence and potential role of DPP-4 inhibitors in the management of patients with T2DM fasting during Ramadan whose diabetes is treated with oral antidiabetic drugs, and to discuss the mechanistic basis for their beneficial effects in this setting.

Experience with Vildagliptin in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Fasting During Ramadan in France: Insights from the VERDI Study

AIM

To assess in real life the rate of hypoglycemia during Ramadan in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in France, according to their ongoing dual therapy of metformin-vildagliptin or metformin-sulfonylurea/glinide (IS).

METHODS

Prospective, non-interventional study with 2 visits (within 8 weeks before and 6 weeks after the end of Ramadan 2012). Study diaries were not used to collect events or record values of glucose monitoring. One hundred and ninety-eight patients on stable oral dual therapy for ≥2 months and with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≤8.0% were recruited by 62 centers: 83 in the IS cohort and 115 in the vildagliptin cohort.

RESULTS

Approximately 90% of patients were from Maghreb. The two cohorts were well balanced: 60% men, mean age 59 years, BMI 28 kg/m(2), metformin dose ~2,000 mg/day, and HbA1c 7.2%. Distinct therapeutic management was planned in view of Ramadan with drug-adaptation intended in 61.4% of IS and 18.3% of vildagliptin patients. Hypoglycemia was reported in 37% of IS and 34% of vildagliptin patients; episodes declared as confirmed in 30.8% and 23.5%, respectively, and episodes documented as adverse event (AE) in 17.9% (22 episodes) and 7.5% (13 episodes), respectively (P = 0.025). Severe episodes were reported in 3.9% of IS and 1.7% of vildagliptin patients. 10.4% of IS and 2.6% of vildagliptin patients reported severe episodes and/or unscheduled medical visits due to hypoglycemia (P = 0.029). Glycemic control remained stable in both cohorts. Compliance with fasting was high, as well as adherence to drug with ≥5 missed-dose for 15.4% of IS and 8.5% of vildagliptin patients.

CONCLUSION

Although the overall frequency of malaise suggestive of hypoglycemia was high, which would be expected with prolonged fasting in a well-controlled T2DM population during hot summer days, the incidence of more severe and better-documented episodes (AE, severe event, event leading to unscheduled medical visit) were much lower, with consistently less events with vildagliptin therapy.

Experience with vildagliptin in patients ≥75 years with type 2 diabetes and moderate or severe renal impairment

INTRODUCTION

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are at increased risk for renal impairment (RI) and, in addition, there is an age-related decline in renal function. At the same time, T2DM treatment is more complex and treatment options are more limited in elderly patients as well as patients with RI, with the patient population ≥75 years with moderate or severe RI posing unique challenges, in particular, the high risk and more severe consequences of hypoglycemia. It was, therefore, of interest to assess the efficacy and tolerability of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor vildagliptin in patients with T2DM ≥75 years who also have moderate or severe RI.

METHODS

In this sub-analysis of data derived from a previously described randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, 24-week study, 105 patients (50 randomized to vildagliptin 50 mg qd and 55 to placebo) ≥75 years (mean age ~78 years) with T2DM and moderate or severe RI (mean baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate ~35 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) were included.

RESULTS

The adjusted mean change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with vildagliptin was -1.0% from a baseline of 7.8% (between-group difference -0.8%; p < 0.001). This improvement in glycemic control was not associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia; the rate of confirmed hypoglycemia was 0.49 events per patient-year with vildagliptin and 0.96 events per patient-year with placebo (not significant). Weight remained stable with vildagliptin treatment. Adverse events (AEs) (58.0% vs. 72.7%), serious AEs (14.0% vs. 16.4%), discontinuations due to AEs (4.0% vs. 9.1%) and deaths (0% vs. 5.5%) were reported at a comparable or lower frequency in patients receiving vildagliptin versus patients receiving placebo.

CONCLUSION

In this uniquely fragile elderly population ≥75 years with T2DM and moderate or severe RI, vildagliptin was well tolerated and efficacious, with no increase in the rate of hypoglycemia compared to placebo despite the marked improvement in glycemic control.

Burden of Type 2 Diabetes from the Healthcare Payer Perspective in Slovenia / Breme Sladkorne Bolezni Tipa 2 S Stališča Plačnika Zdravstvenega Varstva V Sloveniji

Introduction: Diabetes prevalence and costs are rising on aglobal scale. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically conduct cost studies for assessing the healthcare burden impact. In Slovenia, the last type 2 diabetes cost assessment was conducted in 2006, not including all diabetes complication costs. The aim of this study was to revise, update and compare to previously published datadirect healthcare costs of type 2 diabetes in Slovenia with additional complications costs consideration.

Methods: The study was performed from the healthcare payer perspective using the bottom-up approach, was prevalence based and estimated direct medical costs.

Results: We estimated total yearly direct medical costs of type 2 diabetes in Slovenia to 99,120,419 euro with annual per capita costs of 834.70 euro. The highest cost shares were attributed to cardiovascular complication costs (21,683,919 euro), diabetes co-medication (20,977,269 euro) and diabetes treatment medication (18,505,015 euro). Highest yearly costs per complication (all cases, all occurrences) were estimated for dialysis I and III (9,162,635 euro), stroke first year costs (4,951,306 euro) and congestive heart failure first year costs (4,879,533 euro). Yearly per one patient, the complication costs were highest for kidney transplantation, followed by dialysis I and III (78,621.25 euro and 36,797.73 euro)

Conclusions: In comparison to the costs published in the literature before, our estimated total yearly direct medical costs were comparable, although annual per capita costs were assessed lower than elsewhere. Further, regarding the complication costs estimations, our assessed expenses were comparable to those published in other countries.

Vildagliptin-insulin combination improves glycemic control in Asians with type 2 diabetes

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of vildagliptin 50 mg bid as add-on therapy to insulin in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS: This was a post hoc analysis of a subgroup of Asian patients from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in T2DM patients inadequately controlled by stable insulin therapy, with or without metformin. A total of 173 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive treatment with vildagliptin 50 mg bid (n = 87) or placebo (n = 86) for 24 wk. Changes in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), from baseline to study endpoint, were analyzed using an analysis of covariance model. Change from baseline to endpoint in body weight was summarized by treatment. Safety and tolerability of vildagliptin was also evaluated.

RESULTS: After 24 wk, the difference in adjusted mean change in HbA1c between vildagliptin and placebo was 0.82% (8.96 mmol/mol; P < 0.001) in Asian subgroup, 0.85% (9.29 mmol/mol; P < 0.001) in patients also receiving metformin, and 0.73% (7.98 mmol/mol; P < 0.001) in patients without metformin, all in favor of vildagliptin. There was no significant difference in the change in FPG between treatments. Weight was stable in both treatment groups (+ 0.3 kg and -0.2 kg, for vildagliptin and placebo, respectively). Overall, vildagliptin was safe and well tolerated with similarly low incidences of hypoglycemia (8.0% vs 8.1%) and no severe hypoglycemic events were experienced in either group.

CONCLUSION: In Asian patients inadequately controlled with insulin (with or without concomitant metformin), insulin-vildagliptin combination treatment significantly reduced HbA1c compared with placebo, without an increase in risk of hypoglycemia or weight gain.

Combination therapy with DPP-4 inhibitors and insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: what is the evidence?

As type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) progresses, most patients will require insulin replacement therapy. Whether oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) therapy should be retained when initiating insulin is still debated. While the rationale to keep metformin with insulin is strong (mostly as an insulin-sparing agent to limit weight gain), the evidence is less clear for other OADs. In particular, the question now comes up what the expected benefit could be of combining the newer agents, such as the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors with insulin. Additionally, when metformin is no longer a treatment option, as in the case of patients with severe renal impairment, insulin is often used as monotherapy, with little evidence of benefit in maintaining other OADs. In this specific situation, it is also of interest to evaluate the potential benefit of combined treatment with a DPP-4 inhibitor and insulin. Among the classic limitations of insulin therapy in patients with T2DM, hypoglycemia remains a major barrier to glycemic control, along with weight gain exacerbation. The oral DPP-4 inhibitors improve glycemic control by increasing the sensitivity of the islet cells to glucose, and thus are not associated with an increased risk for hypoglycemia and are weight neutral. In addition to the expected benefits associated with limiting insulin dose and regimen complexity, the specific advantages the DPP-4 inhibitor drug class on hypoglycemia and weight gain could justify combining DPP-4 inhibitors with insulin; additionally, a DPP-4 inhibitor may be of special value to decrease glycemic excursions that are not properly addressed by basal insulin therapy and metformin use, even after optimizing titration of the basal insulin. However, given the common original perception that treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors may be less beneficial with increasing disease progression because of the loss of β-cell function, the potential relevance of these agents in the setting of advanced T2DM treated with insulin was not necessarily anticipated. Promising data from studies on the use of these new agents in insulin-treated patients with T2DM have started to emerge. Our article provides a comprehensive overview of the currently available evidence from controlled randomized clinical trials and we discuss the potential role of DPP-4 inhibitors in the this setting. Further clinical experience will allow to fully assess the positioning of these agents in insulin-treated T2DM populations.

Evidence to support the use of vildagliptin monotherapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

The efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, vildagliptin, as monotherapy have been widely confirmed in a large body of clinical studies of up to 2 years’ duration in various populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This paper reviews the data supporting the use of vildagliptin in monotherapy. Consideration based on baseline glycated hemoglobin levels and age is given to patient segments where metformin is not appropriate. In addition, although prediabetes is not an indication, this manuscript briefly reviews some of the existing data showing that the mechanisms at work in diabetic populations are active in patients currently classified as prediabetic, with impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. Finally, the rationale for vildagliptin dosing frequency in monotherapy is discussed. In summary, this review aims to define where in community practice the use of vildagliptin as monotherapy is most desirable, focusing on segments of the population with type 2 diabetes mellitus that might receive the greatest benefit from vildagliptin in the management of their disease.