Comparison of metformin, gliclazide MR and rosiglitazone in monotherapy and in combination for type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of metformin, rosiglitazone and gliclazide MR as monotherapy and in combination in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 250 patients treated with oral antidiabetic agents for at least 24 weeks in monotherapy or in combination therapy were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: As monotherapy the reduction of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial glycemia (PPG) and HbA1c was similar with the three drugs after 24 weeks. Among patients on combination therapy, the reduction in HbA1c, FPG and PPG was significantly lower with rosiglitazone plus metformin, as compared to metformin plus gliclazide MR or gliclazide MR plus rosiglitazone. Patients treated with rosiglitazone achieved less favorable changes in lipid profile. CONCLUSION: In monotherapy all drugs were equally effective in improving glycemic control, whereas the combination of metformin plus gliclazide MR provided the best results concerning the improvement of both, glycemic control and lipid profile.