Randomized study of repaglinide alone and in combination with metformin in Chinese subjects with type 2 diabetes naive to oral antidiabetes therapy

Objective: The aim of this research is to determine efficacy and safety of repaglinide alone and in combination with metformin in Chinese subjects with type 2 diabetes naive to oral antidiabetes therapy. Methods: A 16-week, open-label, randomized, active-controlled, parallel-group trial was carried out. Subjects were randomized (1:1) to repaglinide 1 mg t.i.d. (maximum dose, 4 mg t.i.d.) or repaglinide plus metformin 1 mg/500 mg t.i.d. (maximum dose, 4 mg/500 mg t.i.d.). Eligible subjects (18 – 75 years old) had type 2 diabetes, A1C > 8.5%, BMI ≤ 35 kg/m2, and were naive to oral antidiabetes agents. Results: The primary outcome was A1C reduction. Secondary end points included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial glucose (PPG), and 7-point plasma glucose. Baseline characteristics (repaglinide/metformin, n = 218; repaglinide-only, n = 214) were similar between groups. Mean A1C reduction (± SD) was 4.51 ± 1.64% (combination) and 4.05 ± 1.59% (monotherapy). Estimated mean treatment difference for re...