In a nutshell
This study examined whether alogliptin is safe and effective for the treatment of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).The authors concluded that alogliptin is safe and effective for elderly T2D patients and does not lead to weight gain.
Some background
Patients with T2D may be treated with anti-diabetic medication to reduce blood glucose (sugar) levels. Glipizide (Glucotrol) is one such drug used to reduce blood glucose levels by increasing the production of insulin (the hormone needed to break down glucose). It has been associated with side effects including weight gain.
Alogliptin (Nesina) also increases insulin production, and may be equally as effective as glipizide. In addition, alogliptin may have fewer side effects and less weight gain compared to glipizide.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether alogliptin is safe and effective for the treatment of T2D in elderly patients. This study involved 441 elderly T2D patients between the ages of 65 and 90 years.
Participants were divided into 2 groups. 222 patients received 25 mg alogliptin once daily. 219 patients received 5 to 10 mg glipizide once daily. All patients were treated for 1 year. HbA1c levels (average blood glucose levels over 3 months) were measured before and after the study.
There was no difference in the effectiveness of alogliptin (reduction in HbA1c by 0.42%) compared to glipizide (reduction in HbA1c by 0.33%). Alogliptin was safe and well tolerated. 5.4% of patients treated with alogliptin experienced hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood glucose levels) compared to 26% of patients treated with glipizide. Patients treated with alogliptin also experienced an average reduction in weight by 0.62 kg. Patients treated with glipizide gained an average of 0.6 kg.
The bottom line
This study concluded that alogliptin is equally as effective as glipizide for the treatment of T2D in elderly patients. The risk of hypoglycemia is lower with alogliptin treatment and patients do not gain weight.
The fine print
This study received funding from Takeda, the pharmaceutical company who developed alogliptin.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of alogliptin for the treatment of T2D.
Published By :
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Date :
Oct 11, 2013
