Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of mitiglinide, voglibose and its combination on metabolic responses after a test meal in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Research design and methods: This randomized crossover study consisted of four periods between August and November 2011. In the first period, all patients (n = 12) received water alone (control period). In the next three periods, the patients received 10 mg mitiglinide, 0.2 mg voglibose or a combination in a random order.
Main outcome measures: Postprandial metabolite/hormone levels were then measured.
Results: Plasma glucose and serum insulin reached peak levels by 60 - 90 and 90 min, respectively, after the test meal in the control group. The combination reduced postprandial glucose levels compared with mitiglinide or voglibose alone, particularly at 30 - 90 min, which significantly exceeded the effects of mitiglinide (p < 0.05). Mitiglinide and the combination restored early insulin response, whereas the combination provided an insulin-sparing effect compared with mitiglinide alone. The combination improved postprandial lipid profiles, combining the effects of both drugs.
Conclusion: This study revealed marked differences in the postprandial metabolic effects of mitiglinide, voglibose and its combination in patients with T2DM. The combination therapy should enable tighter control of postprandial hyperglycemia compared with the individual drugs.