Combination therapy of glibenclamide and insulin in NIDDM patients with secondary failure to oral drugs

Abstract

A trial of combination therapy with glibenclamide + insulin was conducted in 26 patients with non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) who had secondary failure to oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA). Patients were included in the study if they failed to respond to a dose of 15 mg of glibenclamide under strict dietary regulations. Small doses of insulin were added until satisfactory glucoregulation was achieved. On withdrawal of the OHA, in 20 patients, the post-prandial plasma glucose values (PPBS) increased again by greater than or equal to 25%; they were considered as "responders". Responders were divided into two equal groups of alternate patients; group I was treated with insulin + glibenclamide and group II with insulin + placebo. The patients were then followed up at monthly intervals for 6 months. The dose of insulin required to maintain normal plasma glucose value was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in group I. Fewer patients in group I needed two injections of insulin per day; however this difference was not statistically significant. Normalisation of serum triglyceride and lowering of HbA1 occurred in both groups. This study shows that addition of glibenclamide to insulin treatment is advantageous in NIDDM patients showing secondary failure to OHA.