Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of metformin extended-release oral antidiabetic therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes: an observational trial in Asia

J Diabetes. 2012 Dec;4(4):395-406. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-0407.2012.00220.x.

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present prospective observational study was to assess the tolerability and antihyperglycemic efficacy of metformin extended-release (MXR) in the routine treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from six Asian countries.

Methods: Data from 3556 patients treated with once-daily MXR for 12 weeks, or until discontinuation, were analyzed.

Results: Treatment with MXR was well tolerated, with 97.4% of patients completing 12 weeks of treatment. Only 3.3% of patients experienced one or more gastrointestinal (GI) side-effects and only 0.7% of patients discontinued for this reason (primary endpoint). The incidence of GI side-effects and related discontinuations appeared to be considerably lower during short-term MXR therapy than during previous treatment (mean 2.71 years' duration), most commonly with immediate-release metformin. A 12-week course of MXR therapy also reduced HbA1c and fasting glucose levels from baseline.

Conclusions: The present study provides new insights into the incidence of GI side-effects with MXR in Asian patients with T2DM and on the tolerability of MXR in non-Caucasian populations. Specifically, these data indicate that once-daily MXR not only improves measures of glycemic control in Asian patients with T2DM, but also has a favorable GI tolerability profile that may help promote enhanced adherence to oral antidiabetic therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Asia
  • Asian People
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / ethnology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Metformin / administration & dosage
  • Metformin / pharmacokinetics
  • Metformin / therapeutic use*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Metformin