Low-Dose Sulphonylurea and DPP4 Inhibitor Combo lowers blood sugar by augmentating beta cell function

Low-dose sulphonylureas have demonstrated the ability to enhance the incretin effect and increase glucose sensitivity. The study aimed to evaluate whether combining low-dose sulphonylurea with a DPP4 inhibitor could produce an additive effect in improving glucose control.

Conducted at the Clinical Research Centre, University of Dundee, the unblinded randomized crossover study involved 30 participants with T2DM treated with diet or metformin. Fourteen-day intervention blocks included control, gliclazide 20 mg (SU), sitagliptin 100 mg (DPP4i), or the combination of both (SUDPP4i). The primary outcome was the effect of treatment on beta-cell glucose sensitivity.

Key Findings:

• Additive Glucose Lowering: The combination of low-dose sulphonylurea and DPP4 inhibitor exhibited an additive effect on glucose lowering.

• Mean glucose AUC (mmol/l): Control 11.5, DPP4i 10.2, SU 9.7, SUDPP4i 8.7 (p < 0.001).

• Glucose sensitivity (pmol min-1 m-2mM-1): Control 71.5, DPP4i 75.9, SU 86.3, SUDPP4i 94.1 (p = 0.04).

• Gender Differences: The additive effect was observed in men but not in women.

• Safety Measures: Glucose time in range <3 mmol/l on continuous glucose monitoring was unaffected, ensuring the safety of the combination.

The study suggests that combining low-dose sulphonylurea with a DPP4 inhibitor has a potent glucose-lowering effect through the augmentation of beta-cell function. Further exploration through a double-blind randomized controlled trial is warranted to formalize the efficacy and safety of this combination, potentially offering a positive alternative to traditional sulphonylurea treatment in diabetes management.

Reference: