Characterization of and costs associated to the profile of patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin who are added a second oral antidiabetic drug: A population study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To determine compliance, metabolic control, complications and healthcare costs of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with metformin who started a second antidiabetic drug. Patients and methods Design multicenter observational retrospective. Patients aged ≥30 years (age) were evaluated, treated with metformin and started a second antidiabetic treatment during 2008–2009. There were 4 patient groups (metformin and another antidiabetic): (a) dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (IDPP4), (b) sulfonylureas, (c) glitazones and (d) insulin. Main measures: comorbidity, metabolic control, compliance and complications. Patients were followed for 2 years. The cost model differed in direct (primary care/specialist) and indirect (labor productivity) healthcare costs. Statistical analysis: logistic regression models and ANCOVA, p Results 2067 patients were included (mean age: 66.6 years, male: 53.1%). 25.1% started a second treatment with IDPP4; 42.9% sulfonylureas, 14.0% glitazones and 18.0% insulin. At 2 years of follow-up, patients treated with IDPP4 showed greater adherence versus 70.3%. 59.9%, 60.3% and 58.4; better control of 64.3% versus DM2. 62.6%, 62.8% and 50.5% and a decrease of 13.9% compared to hypoglycemia 40.4%, 37.6% and 58.9%, respectively (p Conclusions Sulfonylureas were the most commonly used drugs. Patients treated with IDPP4 had higher compliance and control of diabetes, with lower rates of hypoglycemia and healthcare costs.