GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN DIABETES TYPE 2 PATIENTS BY METFORMIN AND OTHER SULFONYLUREAS

Sombel Mazhar*, Roma Ehsan and Mariam Zaka

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent disorder worldwide, characterized by elevated serum glucose levels and a constellation of symptoms including polydipsia, polyuria and fluctuations in weight. The mainstay of treatment for DM depends greatly on the A1C levels. A1C levels measure the average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. In order to prevent progression of DM patients are treated with lifestyle modifications and a combination of pharmacological agents to achieve long term glycemic control. One such combination includes Metformin and an oral antihyperglycemic agent such as Sulfonylureas. This combination of medications will be the focus of this study on patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of sulfonylurea and metformin on glycemic control in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adopted using a convenient sampling technique during a one month period from June to August, 2017. A sample size of 100 patients was studied and data was collected from two major hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. A data collection form was designed and was filled during face to face interviews with the patients, and physicians. Data was presented as a percentage. Results: The study showed that 80% of the patients were prescribed metformin, 20% sulfonylureas. 90% patients have performed their HbA1c. Conclusion: Type II diabetes is a common disease prevailing throughout the world. Type II diabetes is also associated with several other metabolic abnormalities. The main pathologic defects in diabetes consist of excessive hepatic glucose production, peripheral insulin resistance and defective beta-cell secretory function. Metformin improves glycemic control by reducing hepatic glucose production, increasing insulin sensitivity, and reducing intestinal glucose absorption, without increasing insulin secretion. Sulfonylureas prefer for metabolic abnormalities by reducing hypoglycemia.

Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, treatment, Oral antibiotic agents, Older people.