Role of voglibose in prevention of type 2 diabetes in established case of impaired glucose tolerance: an observation study

Background: The increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major concern for the health providers. We have done an observation study in the diagnosed IGT patient who received α-glucosidase inhibitor (voglibose), which could prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals. Methods: This study was an observational study comprising of voglibose and placebo in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance.66 eligible patients were on the standard diet and taking regular exercise with impaired glucose tolerance were randomly assigned to oral voglibose 0.2 mg three times a day (n=66) or placebo (n=60) in this study. Treatment was continued until participants developed type 2 diabetes (primary endpoint) or normoglycaemia (secondary endpoint). In the final analysis, 66 registered individuals fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 36 were randomly assigned to receive voglibose and 30 placebos (two participants in the placebo group did not take their medication and were excluded).  Results: The mean duration of treatment was 48.3 weeks (SD: 36.4), i.e., 45.4 weeks (34.7) for voglibose and 51.7 weeks (37.4) for placebo. Voglibose was better than placebo (p= 0.0024) in individuals treated for an average of 48.3 weeks (SD 36.4). Patients treated with voglibose had a lower risk of progression to type 2 diabetes than did those on placebo. More people in the voglibose group achieved normoglycaemia than did those in the placebo group. Conclusion: Voglibose, in addition to lifestyle modification, can reduce the development of type 2 diabetes in high risk individuals with impaired glucose tolerance.