Effect of NovoNorm on Efficacy,Tolerability and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The objectives of this study were to assess the efficacy, tolerability and treatment satisfaction of a prandial glucose regulator (repaglinide, NovoNorm) in type 2 diabetes in a clinical setting. The study was conducted as an open-label, prospective, longitudinal, 16-week investigation. A total of 1060 patients with type2 diabetes were prescribed with NovoNorm in a flexible prandial regimen. The dose was at the discretion of the physician, but the number and timing of main meals were the choice of the patient. Patients’ demographic data, glycemic control, body weight, meal frequency and quality of life outcomes were recorded at three outpatient visits. After treatment, significant improvements in HbA1c, fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose concentrations from baseline baseline were demonstrated, as indicated by a mean decrease of 0.7%,17.3 mg/dl and 64.1 mg/dl, respectively(p＜0.00001). NovoNorm was well tolerated, while mean body weight and meal frequency remained unchanged between baseline and final visit. In terms of treatment satisfaction, noticeable improvements were observed: better understanding of diabetes, consideration of the prandial regimen of NovoNorm as flexible and convenient, decreased desire to snack for fear of hypoglycemia, and reduced incidence of gastrointestinal discomfort and labile mood. Multiple logistic analysis revealed those younger in age and without antecedent hypoglycemic agents responded better to NovoNorm. In conclusion, prandial dosing with NovoNorm a new short and rapid-acting prandial glucose regulator, is convenient and effectie in improving glycemic control with very few adverse effects in Taiwanese patients with type 2 diabetes. It is a promising first line oral hypoglycemic agent to be used by primary care physicians.