The effectiveness of lixisenatide as an add on therapy to basal insulin in diabetic type 2 patients previously treated with different insulin regimes: a multi-center observational study

INTRODUCTION: This observational study aimed to assess the effectiveness of lixisenatide as add on therapy to basal insulin in diabetic type 2 patients previously treated with different insulin regimes. METHODS: Patients with diabetes type 2, prescribed with lixisenatide and basal insulin were divided in three groups (premixed insulin, basal bolus insulin and basal oral therapy (BOT). Difference in mean change in HbA1c, body mass index, total insulin doses, fasting blood glucose (FPG) and prandial blood glucose (PPG) were assessed after 3–6-months of follow-up. RESULTS: The primary outcomes were assessed in 111 patients. Lixisenatide added to basal insulin, reduced HbA1c and body weight significantly in all three groups of patients (p < 0.001 for all), with the most prominent reduction in the basal bolus group of patients which had the highest baseline HbA1c compared to premix and BOT treatment groups. Regarding a difference in total insulin dose the reduction was statistically significant in the basal bolus (p = 0.006) and premix group (p < 0.001). FPG and PPG were also significantly reduced over time in all three groups (p < 0.001 for all). A composite outcome (reduction of HbA1c below 7% (53 mmol/mol) with any weight loss) was achieved in 27% of total patients included in the study, reduction of HbA1c below 7% was observed in 30% of patients, while 90% of patients experienced weight reduction. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that lixisenatide add on basal insulin treatment (BIT) can improve glycemic control in a population with long-standing type 2 diabetes and previously uncontrolled on other insulin therapy.