Effects of Repaglinide Versus Glimepiride on 1,5-Anhydroglucutol and Glycated Hemoglobin Levels in Japanese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND: Postprandial hyperglycemia is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We prospectively examined the effects of repaglinide on postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: During this 24-week, single-arm, prospective study, we enrolled 10 patients with type 2 diabetes who were previously being administered glimepiride (0.5 or 1 mg/day) and switched it with repaglinide (0.75 or 1.5 mg/day). Changes in their metabolic parameters were evaluated at the end of the study period. RESULTS: After replacing glimepiride with repaglinide, increases were observed in 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels (baseline, 5.46 ± 1.96 versus 24 weeks, 9.15 ± 4.48 µg/mL, P = 0.004) but not in glycated hemoglobin levels (baseline, 7.7 ± 0.5 versus 24 weeks, 7.4 ± 0.6%, P = 0.100). Body weight remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Compared with glimepiride, repaglinide improved 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels but had no effect on glycated hemoglobin. This suggests that repaglinide is a useful option for treating postprandial hyperglycemia.