Similar Glucose-lowering Effects Research Articles

Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Interaction Between Evogliptin and Pioglitazone in Healthy Male Subjects.

AimEvogliptin is a newly developed oral glucose-lowering medication of the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The combination of a DPP-4 inhibitor with pioglitazone is a promising therapeutic option. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction between evogliptin and pioglitazone.Materials and MethodsA randomized, open-label, multiple-dose, three-treatment, three-period, six-sequence crossover study was conducted in healthy Korean male subjects. All subjects received evogliptin 5 mg once daily for 7 days (EVO), pioglitazone 30 mg once daily for 7 days (PIO) and co-administration of evogliptin 5 mg and pioglitazone 30 mg once daily for 7 days (EVO+PIO) according to the assigned sequence and period. Serial blood samples were collected for 24 hours for pharmacokinetic analysis and 3 hours after the oral glucose tolerance test for the pharmacodynamic analysis.ResultsThirty-four subjects completed the study. EVO+PIO and EVO showed a similar maximum plasma concentration at steady state (Cmax,ss) and area under the concentration-time curve during the dosing interval at the steady state (AUCτ,ss) of evogliptin, with geometric mean ratios (GMRs) (90% confidence interval (CI)) of 1.01 (0.97–1.05) and 1.01 (0.98–1.04), respectively. EVO+PIO and PIO showed a similar Cmax,ss and AUCτ,ss of pioglitazone, with GMRs (90% CI) of 1.07 (0.99–1.17) and 1.08 (0.99–1.17), respectively. Reduction of the glucose level after EVO+PIO was larger compared to PIO and similar with EVO.ConclusionConcomitant administration of evogliptin and pioglitazone showed similar glucose-lowering effects with those of evogliptin alone without pharmacokinetic interactions when compared to the intake of each drug alone.

238-OR: Once-Weekly Basal Insulin Icodec Offers Comparable Efficacy and Safety vs. Once-Daily Insulin Glargine U100 in Insulin-Naïve Patients with T2D Inadequately Controlled on OADS

Insulin icodec* (icodec) is a novel basal insulin analog with a terminal half-life of ∼196 hours in development as the first once-weekly insulin. This 26-week, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, treat-to-target, phase 2 trial investigated the efficacy and safety of once-weekly icodec vs. once-daily insulin glargine U100 (IGlar U100) in insulin-naïve patients with T2D inadequately controlled (A1C 7.0-9.5%) with metformin ± DPP-4i. Starting doses were 70 U weekly and 10 U daily, respectively, with weekly titration to a pre-breakfast SMBG target of 70-108 mg/dL. Primary endpoint was change in A1C from baseline to week 26. Secondary endpoints included change in FPG from baseline to week 26 and hypoglycemic episodes. Participants (n = 247) were randomized 1:1 to icodec (n = 125) or IGlar U100 (n = 122). Baseline characteristics appeared similar in both groups; mean age was 59.6 years, diabetes duration 9.7 years, BMI 31.3 kg/m2 and FPG 181 mg/dL. Mean baseline A1C was 8.1% (icodec) and 8.0% (IGlar U100). At week 26, estimated mean A1C was 6.69% for icodec and 6.87% for IGlar U100 (estimated mean change from baseline: -1.33% and -1.15%-points, respectively). There was no statistically significant treatment difference for change in A1C from baseline to week 26 (-0.18%, 95% CI, -0.38; 0.02). Estimated mean FPG at week 26 was 123 mg/dL (icodec) and 127 mg/dL (IGlar U100). Observed rates of level 2 (<54 mg/dL) + 3 (severe) hypoglycemia were low (60.55 and 52.36 events per 100 patient years of exposure for icodec and IGlar U100, respectively) and were comparable (p = 0.85). There were no unexpected safety findings. In conclusion, icodec is the first once-weekly insulin with similar glucose-lowering effects and safety profile to once-daily IGlar U100. Icodec could improve treatment acceptance and facilitate T2D management in patients needing basal insulin. *Proposed INN. Disclosure J. Rosenstock: None. M.I.S. Kjaersgaard: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. D. Moller: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. M. Voigt Hansen: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Stock/Shareholder; Spouse/Partner; Novo Nordisk A/S. R. Goldenberg: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Eli Lilly and Company, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi.

Vildagliptin Versus α-Glucosidase Inhibitor as Add-On to Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes: Subgroup Analysis of the China Prospective Diabetes Study.

IntroductionThe effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DDP-4) inhibitors versus α-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) on the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a real-world setting is unknown. The aim of this real-world study was to compare the glucose-lowering effect and tolerability of vildagliptin as add-on to metformin monotherapy (VM) and AGI as add-on to metformin monotherapy (AM) in Chinese patients with T2DM.MethodsThis was a subgroup analysis of the China Prospective Diabetes Study, a post-marketing, prospective, observational, real-world study conducted at 52 centers in China. T2DM patients with inadequate glycemic control on metformin monotherapy who received VM or AM were included. The composite primary endpoint was glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] < 7%) after 12 months in the absence of tolerability events (hypoglycemia, weight gain ≥ 3%, or gastrointestinal events leading to treatment discontinuation). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the two groups.ResultsThe success rates of the composite endpoint were higher in the VM group (n = 604/159 before/after PSM) than in the AM group (n = 159/157 before/after PSM), but the difference was not statistically significant (before PSM: 53.0 vs. 46.5%, P = 0.148; after PSM: 56.7 vs. 45.9%, P = 0.055). The glycemic control rate and HbA1c reduction were similar between groups at 3, 6, and 12 months. Compared with the AM group, the VM group had lower risks of any tolerability event (relative risk [RR] 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33–0.83, P = 0.006), of any adverse event (AE) (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41–1.00, P = 0.049), and of any serious AE (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25–0.81, P = 0.007).ConclusionThe results of this real-world study suggest that vildagliptin as add-on to metformin monotherapy had a similar glucose-lowering effect to AGI as add-on to metformin monotherapy, but with better safety.Electronic Supplementary MaterialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s13300-019-00742-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Possible Ways to Improve Postprandial Glucose Control in Type 1 Diabetes.

Possible Ways to Improve Postprandial Glucose Control in Type 1 Diabetes.

Once-weekly dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACTObjective: To assess the efficacy and safety of omarigliptin and trelagliptin, novel dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors administered once-weekly (DPP-4i QW).Methods: We systematically searched for placebo- and active-controlled randomized trials in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Results: Fifteen primary studies with 5709 participants were included. DPP-4i QW were more effective than placebo in reducing hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) −0.63%; 95% CI −0.80, −0.46; I2 = 84%) and had a similar glucose-lowering effect with daily DPP-4i (WMD 0.01%; −0.08, 0.11%; I2 = 34%). Omarigliptin was less effective compared with oral antidiabetic agents, other than daily DPP-4i, (WMD 0.24%; 0.10, 0.38; I2 = 12%). Omarigliptin did not affect body weight (WMD versus placebo 0.60 kg; 0.25, 0.96; I2 = 0%). Risk for any hypoglycemia was similar between DPP-4i QW and placebo (Odds Ratio 1.32; 0.78, 2.22; I2 = 0%). Incidence of other adverse events did not differ between DPP-4i QW and control.Conclusions: DPP-4i QW were superior to placebo and similar to daily DPP-4i in terms of glycemic control, and were not associated with any specific adverse events. There is limited comparative effectiveness evidence against other agents, while their effect on hard clinical safety outcomes is unknown.

Review of the Next Generation of Long-Acting Basal Insulins: Insulin Degludec and Insulin Glargine.

Older adults are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although oral agents (i.e., metformin) are the preferred first-line therapy, older adults often eventually require the addition of insulin to control their blood glucose. Long-acting insulin analogues are the preferred insulin products for older adults with T2DM. Insulin degludec and insulin glargine U-300 are both new generation long-acting insulins. When compared with the standard of care, long-acting insulin product insulin glargine U-100, insulin degludec, and insulin glargine U-300 had similar glucose-lowering effects, longer half-lives and durations of action, and a more even distribution over a 24-hour period. Additionally, the new generation insulins were superior with regard to rates and severity of nocturnal hypoglycemia. The long-term cardiovascular safety of these products has not been established yet. Although the new generation long-acting insulins will not revolutionize diabetes management, they appear to be an improvement over previous long-acting insulins.

Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of the DPP-4 inhibitors in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Pharmacoeconomic researches have confirmed that hypoglycemic treatment strategies including a dipeptidyl peptidase-Ⅳ (DPP-4) inhibitor exhibit excellent cost-effectiveness when compared with others.Direct comparisons with active glucose-lowering comparators in drug-naive patients have demonstrated that DPP-4 inhibitors exert slightly less pronounced HbA1c reduction than metformin (with the advantage of better gastrointestinal tolerability) and similar glucose-lowering effects compared with a thiazolidinedione (TZD,with the advantage of no weight gain).In metformin-treated patients,gliptins were associated with similar HbA1C reductions compared with a sulphonylurea(SU,with the advantage of no weight gain,considerably fewer hypoglycaemic episodes and no need for titration) and a TZD (with the advantage of no weight gain and better overall tolerability).In addition,excellent efficacy could also reduce the incidence of diabetic complications and increase patient's work productivity and thus lower indirect cost. Key words: Dipeptidyl peptidase-Ⅳ inhibitors; Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Pharmacoeconomics; Vildagliptin

Steady State is Reached within Two to Three Days of Once-daily Administration of Ultra-Long-acting Insulin Degludec

(IDeg), a new ultra-long-acting basal insulin, as a function of administration region. Twenty healthy subjects (17 males/3 females; mean age: 37 years, body mass index: 24.1 kg/m2) received single subcutaneous (s.c.) doses of IDeg (0.4 U/kg) in the thigh, the deltoid and the abdomen. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic assessment were taken up to 120 hours after injection, and the pharmacodynamic response was evaluatedduring a24-hour euglycaemic glucose clamp (Biostator; target blood glucose: 4.5 mmol/L). As observed with other insulin preparations, total exposure of IDeg (AUCIDeg,0e120h,SD) (area under the curve) was slightly greater (by 6e7%) after s.c. injection in the deltoid or the abdomen compared to the thigh. There was no difference between the deltoid and abdomen (Table 1). The glucose infusion rate (GIR) profiles were similar for the 3 s.c. injection regions: mean AUCGIR,0e24h,SD (coefficient of variation %) was 2572 (38), 2960 (43) and 2833 (42) mg/kg for thigh, deltoid and abdomen, respectively; mean GIRmax,SD was 2.7 (32), 3.0 (42) and 3.0 (37) mg/kg/min, respectively. The glucose-lowering effect extended beyond 24 hours in all subjects for all 3 s.c. injection regions. In conclusion, IDeg can be administered s.c. in the thigh, the deltoid or the abdomen with similar glucose-lowering effect from a clinical perspective.

Empagliflozin, a novel potent and selective SGLT‐2 inhibitor, improves glycaemic control alone and in combination with insulin in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, a model of type 1 diabetes mellitus

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) is key to reabsorption of glucose in the kidney. SGLT-2 inhibitors are in clinical development for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The mechanism may be of value also in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This study investigated effects of the SGLT-2 inhibitor, empagliflozin, alone and in combination with insulin, on glucose homeostasis in an animal model of T1DM. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg). Acutely, STZ rats received two doses of insulin glargine with or without empagliflozin, and blood glucose was measured. In a subchronic study, STZ rats received empagliflozin alone, one or two insulin-releasing implants or a combination of one implant and empagliflozin over 28 days; blood glucose and HbA(1c) were measured. In the acute setting, empagliflozin in combination with 1.5 IU insulin induced a similar glucose-lowering effect as 6 IU insulin. Both interventions were more efficacious than monotherapy with 1.5 IU insulin. In the subchronic study, 12-h blood glucose profile on day 28 in the combination group was lower than with one implant, and similar to two implants. Plasma HbA(1c) was improved in the combination group and in animals with two implants. Empagliflozin reduced blood glucose levels in a T1DM animal model. Empagliflozin combined with low-dose insulin showed comparable glucose-lowering efficacy to treatment with high-dose insulin. Our data suggest that empagliflozin is an efficacious adjunctive-to-insulin therapy with the clinical potential for the treatment of T1DM.

DPP-4 inhibitors in the management of type 2 diabetes: A critical review of head-to-head trials

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors offer new options for the management of type 2 diabetes. Direct comparisons with active glucose-lowering comparators in drug-naive patients have demonstrated that DPP-4 inhibitors exert slightly less pronounced HbA(1c) reduction than metformin (with the advantage of better gastrointestinal tolerability) and similar glucose-lowering effects as with a thiazolidinedione (TZD; with the advantage of no weight gain). In metformin-treated patients, gliptins were associated with similar HbA(1c) reductions compared with a sulphonylurea (SU; with the advantage of no weight gain, considerably fewer hypoglycaemic episodes and no need for titration) and a TZD (with the advantage of no weight gain and better overall tolerability). DPP-4 inhibitors also exert clinically relevant glucose-lowering effects compared with a placebo in patients treated with SU or TZD (of potential interest when metformin is either not tolerated or contraindicated), and as oral triple therapy with a good tolerability profile when added to a metformin-SU or pioglitazone-SU combination. Several clinical trials also showed a consistent reduction in HbA(1c) when DPP-4 inhibitors were added to basal insulin therapy, with no increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Because of the complex pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and the complementary actions of glucose-lowering agents, initial combination of a DPP-4 inhibitor with either metformin or a glitazone may be applied in drug-naive patients, resulting in greater efficacy and similar safety compared with either drug as monotherapy. However, DPP-4 inhibitors were less effective than GLP-1 receptor agonists for reducing HbA(1c) and body weight, but offer the advantage of being easier to use (oral instead of injected administration) and lower in cost. Only one head-to-head trial demonstrated the non-inferiority of saxagliptin vs sitagliptin. Clearly, more trials of direct comparisons between different incretin-based therapies are needed. Because of their pharmacokinetic characteristics, pharmacodynamic properties (glucose-dependent glucose-lowering effect) and good overall tolerability profile, DPP-4 inhibitors may have a key role to play in patients with renal impairment and in the elderly. The role of DPP-4 inhibitors in the therapeutic armamentarium of type 2 diabetes is rapidly evolving as their potential strengths and weaknesses become better defined mainly through controlled clinical trials.

Insulin modulates glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secretion from enteroendocrine K cells in rats

Effects of insulin excess and deficiency on glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) was examined in rats following insulinoma transplantation or streptozotocin (STZ) administration. Over 14 days, food intake was increased (p < 0.001) in both groups of rats, with decreased body weight (p < 0.01) in STZ rats. Non-fasting plasma glucose levels were decreased (p < 0.01) and plasma insulin levels increased (p < 0.001) in insulinoma-bearing rats, whereas STZ treatment elevated glucose (p < 0.001) and decreased insulin (p < 0.01). Circulating GIP concentrations were elevated (p < 0.01) in both animal models. At 14 days, oral glucose resulted in a decreased glycaemic excursion (p < 0.05) with concomitant elevations in insulin release (p < 0.001) in insulinoma-bearing rats, whereas STZ-treated rats displayed similar glucose-lowering effects but reduced insulin levels (p < 0.01). GIP concentrations were augmented in STZ rats (p < 0.05) following oral glucose. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were not affected by oral fat, but fat-induced GIP secretion was particularly (p < 0.05) increased in insulinoma-bearing rats. Exogenous GIP enhanced (p < 0.05) glucose-lowering in all groups of rats accompanied by insulin releasing (p < 0.001) effects in insulinoma-bearing and control rats. Both rat models exhibited increased (p < 0.001) intestinal weight but decreased intestinal GIP concentrations. These data suggest that circulating insulin has direct and indirect effects on the synthesis and secretion of GIP.

Cinnamic acid based thiazolidinediones inhibit human P450c17 and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and improve insulin sensitivity independent of PPARgamma agonist activity

Thiazolidinediones improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus by acting as peroxisome proliferator-associated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) agonists, and decrease circulating androgen concentrations in polycystic ovary syndrome by unknown mechanisms. Some thiazolidinediones directly inhibit the steroidogenic enzymes P450c17 and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (3betaHSDII) by distinct mechanisms. We synthesized five novel thiazolidinediones, CLX-M1 to -M5 by linking a 2,4-thiazolidinedione moiety to a substituted alpha-phenyl cinnamic acid previously shown to have glucose-lowering effects. Using yeast microsomes expressing human P450c17 and 3betaHSDII we found that cinnamic acid methyl esters with a double bond in the thiazolidinedione core structure (M3, M5) were stronger inhibitors of P450c17 than methyl esters with the conventional core (M1, M4). These four compounds inhibited 3betaHSDII equally well, while the free cinnamic acid analog (M2) did not inhibit either enzyme. Thus, the inhibition of P450c17 and 3betaHSDII by these novel thiazolidinediones reveals structure-activity relationships independent of PPARgamma transactivation. PPARgamma transactivation was moderate (M1), weak (M2, M3) or even absent (M4, M5). While the PPARgamma agonist activity of M1 was only 3% of that of rosiglitazone, both increased glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocytes and reduced serum glucose levels in ob/ob and db/db mice to a similar extent. The similar glucose-lowering effects of M1 and rosiglitazone, despite their vast differences in PPARgamma agonist activity, suggests these two actions may occur by separate mechanisms.

Insulin glargine

Background: In diabetes mellitus, the clinical goal of intensive glycemic control (lowering blood glucose concentrations to normal or near-normal levels) has been hindered by the lack of insulin regimens that duplicate the basal-bolus secretion of insulin by the healthy pancreas. In particular, intensive therapy has been associated with a risk of hypoglycemia. Objective: This article reviews the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, dosing guidelines, adverse effects, and potential drug interactions of insulin glargine, a new long-acting recombinant human insulin analogue. Results of clinical trials of its efficacy and tolerability as a basal insulin in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are summarized. Methods: Primary research and review articles on insulin glargine were identified through a search of MEDLINE from 1966 to July 2001. Abstracts were identified through a search of the Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science from 1995 to July 2001 and proceedings of American Diabetes Association scientific meetings. Additional information was obtained from the product information for insulin glargine. All identified articles and abstracts were evaluated for relevance, and all relevant information was included in the review. Priority was given to data from the primary medical literature. Results: Insulin glargine has a slower onset of action than human neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, a longer duration of action (up to 24 hours), and no pronounced peak. It has similar tolerability and produces similar glycemic control to once- or twice-daily human NPH insulin, with a similar glucose-lowering effect on a molar basis. A decreased incidence of hypoglycemia, particularly at night, has been reported with insulin glargine compared with human NPH insulin. Insulin glargine appears to be comparable to human NPH insulin in terms of toxicity, adverse effects, immunogenicity, and potential for drug interactions. Results of clinical trials of insulin glargine in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes support its use in combination with a short-acting insulin, insulin lispro, or oral antidiabetic medications. Although insulin glargine cannot be mixed with other insulin preparations, it has the potential convenience of providing basal insulin with once-daily bedtime dosing. Conclusions: Based on the as yet small amount of data from full clinical study reports in peer-reviewed publications, insulin glargine appears to be a well-tolerated and effective basal insulin preparation for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (including pediatric patients). Its delayed onset of action and prolonged, flat time—action profile mimic the action of endogenous basal insulin (or an insulin pump), decreasing the risk of hypoglycemic episodes. Insulin glargine may be a useful new option for meeting overnight insulin requirements, although most patients will require a rapid-acting insulin such as insulin lispro with or before meals for optimal management of blood glucose levels.

Glucose-lowering and insulin-sensitizing actions of exendin-4: studies in obese diabetic (ob/ob, db/db) mice, diabetic fatty Zucker rats, and diabetic rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Exendin-4 is a 39 amino acid peptide isolated from the salivary secretions of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum). It shows 53% sequence similarity to glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1. Unlike GLP-1, exendin-4 has a prolonged glucose-lowering action in vivo. We compared the potency and duration of glucose-lowering effects of exendin-4 and GLP-1 in hyperglycemic db/db and ob/ob mice. Whereas reductions in plasma glucose of up to 35% vanished within 1 h with most doses of GLP-1, the same doses of exendin-4 resulted in a similar glucose-lowering effect that persisted for >4 h. Exendin-4 was 5,530-fold more potent than GLP-1 in db/db mice (effective doses, 50% [ED50s] of 0.059 microg/kg +/-0.15 log and 329 microg/kg+/-0.22 log, respectively) and was 5,480-fold more potent in ob/ob mice (ED50s of 0.136 microg/kg+/-0.10 log and 744 microg/kg+/-0.21 log, respectively) when the percentage fall in plasma glucose at 1 h was used as the indicator response. Exendin-4 dose-dependently accelerated glucose lowering in diabetic rhesus monkeys by up to 37% with an ED50 of 0.25 microg/kg +/-0.09 log. In two experiments in which diabetic fatty Zucker rats were injected subcutaneously twice daily for 5-6 weeks with doses of exendin-4 up to 100 microg x rat(-1) x day(-1) (approximately 250 microg/kg), HbA1c was reduced relative to saline-injected control rats. Exendin-4 treatment was also associated in each of these experiments with weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, as demonstrated by increases of up to 32 and 49%, respectively, in the glucose infusion rate (GIR) in the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. ED50s for weight loss and the increase in clamp GIR were 1.0 microg/kg+/-0.15 log and 2.4 microg/kg+/-0.41 log, respectively. In conclusion, acute and chronic administration of exendin-4 has demonstrated an antidiabetic effect in several animal models of type 2 diabetes.

Effects of current therapeutic interventions on insulin resistance.

Although diet and exercise remain the cornerstones of type 2 diabetes therapy, attempts at lifestyle changes seldom result in the achievement of glycaemic control. As a result, the addition of pharmacological agents is usually necessary. Currently available treatment options improve glycaemic control in the short term; however, maintaining long-term glycaemic control, halting disease progression, and preventing the complications of type 2 diabetes have all proven to be elusive therapeutic goals. For more than 30 years, sulphonylureas (SUs) have been first-line therapy for the management of type 2 diabetes. These compounds control hyperglycaemia by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic beta cells, and thus their benefits are limited to patients with preserved beta-cell function. Despite historic reliance on these agents to treat type 2 diabetes, long-term use of SUs may desensitize beta cells. The meglitinides (e.g. repaglinide) are a new class of non-sulphonylurea secretagogues that bind to a different receptor on the beta cell. Repaglinide has a short duration of action and may be useful for the treatment of postprandial hyperglycaemia. The biguanides (e.g. metformin) represent another class of antidiabetic agents and improve glycaemic control primarily by decreasing hepatic glucose output. Metformin and SUs provide similar glucose-lowering effects, and, in combination, may provide additional benefits in some patients. Reducing the rate of glucose absorption with alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (e.g. acarbose) has been explored as an alternative approach to the management of postprandial hyperglycaemia, but these agents do not address the primary defect in type 2 diabetes. Eventually, prolonged overproduction of insulin to compensate for hyperglycaemia leads to dramatically reduced beta-cell function, and exogenous insulin therapy is required.