A Prospective Multicentric Postmarketing Observational Study to Characterize the Patient Population with Reduced Gastrointestinal Motility among Indian Diabetic Patients Receiving Itopride: The Progress Study

AIMS: This study was intended to assess the clinical profile of Indian diabetic patients with reduced gastrointestinal (GI) motility and to understand the role of itopride in addressing reduced GI motility (gastroparesis) symptoms and maintaining glycemic control. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with established reduced GI motility (scintigraphy), with varying degree of GI symptoms, receiving itopride 150 mg as per physicians' discretion were enrolled. Clinical profile, changes in symptom severity, glycemic indices, tolerability, and quality of life (QoL) after 8-week therapy (Patient assessment of upper GI disorders-QoL [PAGI-QoL]) were assessed. RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation age of enrolled population (n = 41) was 51.8 ± 12.39 years. Average duration of gastroparesis since underlying etiology was 67.7 ± 59.76 months. Common symptoms reported at baseline were bloating (68.3%), postprandial fullness (61.0%), nausea (51.2%), early satiety (41.5%), heartburn (39.0%), and vomiting (9.8%). Itopride therapy resulted in significant improvement in all symptoms (P < 0.001), which correlated with improved QoL (PAGI-QoL score reduction: 13.8 ± 11.48; P < 0.0001). Moreover, significant improvement in glycemic indicators was also evident (mean change from baseline hemoglobinA1c –0.5 ± 1.18; fasting plasma glucose –15.3 ± 43.61; postprandial plasma glucose –24.6 ± 57.20). CONCLUSIONS: Itopride showed effectiveness in addressing symptoms of reduced GI motility in diabetics, with improved QoL. Significant improvement in glycemic indices was also evident posttreatment with itopride. This study sheds light on the role of prokinetics, not only for symptom relief but also for improving glycemic control in diabetic patients with reduced GI motility, thus providing a holistic approach for the management of these patients.