Effect of liraglutide vs. NPH in combination with metformin on blood glucose fluctuations assessed using continuous glucose monitoring in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of liraglutide and NPH on blood glucose fluctuations in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A total of 63 newly diagnosed T2DM patients were randomized into a liraglutide group and an NPH group. They were treated for 12 weeks. The values of CGM, HbA1C, and BMI were measured and compared before and after treatment. RESULTS: FPG, HbAlc, and MBG were decreased in both groups after 12 weeks of treatment. In the liraglutide group, the MAGE, SDBG, LAGE, BMI, and waist circumference were significantly 1ower than in the NPH group (p<0.05). Patients in the liraglutide group had a greater incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects than in the NPH group (p<0.05). The incidence of hypoglycemia episode in the liraglutide group was significantly lower than in the NPH group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Liraglutide achieved improvements in overall glycemic control similar to NPH in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM. Liraglutide was associated with less glucose fluctuation than NPH treatment as assessed by CGM. In addition, patients in the liraglutide group had a greater incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects, a lower incidence of hypoglycemia, and some weight reduction.