SITAGLIPTIN AS AN ANTIDIABETIC THERAPY: GLYCEMIC CONTROL, SIDE EFFECTS, AND ADRS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

ABSTRACT Background:Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a noncommunicable metabolic disorder, is an emerging disease worldwide and in India. With a low risk of hypoglycaemia, sitagliptin, Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor provides an interesting new approach to treatment by improving glycemic control and increasing incretin activity. Methods:200 T2DM patients of Uttarakhand on sitagliptin either as monotherapy or in combination with metformin formed the basis of present study. Weight variation, ADRs, fasting/post-prandial glucose and HbA1c were recorded every 12 weeks. Subgroup analyses were performed by diabetes duration, sex, and age. Results:The sitagliptin drug resulted in a mean HbA1c decrease of 1.4% in addition to significant decreases in fasting and postprandial glucose. ADRs were low, mostly nasopharyngitis and moderate gastrointestinal problems, and weight stayed constant. Greater glycaemic improvement was seen in younger individuals and those with shorter durations of diabetes. Conclusion:Sitagliptin has shown high safety and efficacy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in individuals who are in the early stages of the disease. It is an appropriate treatment choice in semi-urban and rural Indian settings due to its glucosedependent effect, low adverse drug reactions, and once-daily dosage.