Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) Combined with Oral Glucose-Lowering Drugs in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled Trials

The clinical efficacy of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy combined with six classes of oral glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs) (TZDs/metformin/acarbose/GLP-1 receptor agonist/SGLT-2 inhibitor/DPP-4 inhibitor) was evaluated by a network meta-analysis to provide an evidence-based reference in making a clinical decision on CSII combined with drugs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Data were retrieved from eight databases: the Chinese Journal Full-Text Database (CNKI), VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals Full-Text Database (VP-CSFD), Wanfang Data Journal Paper Resource (WANFANG), China Biomedical Database (CBM), PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The retrieval period dated from the library’s construction to 27 June 2021. The search was for randomized, controlled trial studies (RCT) on insulin infusion (CSII) combined with oral hypoglycemic drugs (TZDs/metformin/acarbose/GLP-1 receptor agonist/SGLT-2 inhibitor/DPP-4 inhibitor) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Quality evaluation and data extraction were performed on the studies included, and network meta-analysis was performed with R4.0.1 software. A total of 56 publications was included in the final network meta-analysis, with a total sample size of 4395. Results based on the network meta-analysis were that CSII combined with a metformin works best on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2 h postprandial blood glucose (2hPG) and improves insulin resistance (lower HOMA-IR levels). CSII combined with a DPP-4 inhibitor had the best clinical effect in reducing glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Treatment with CSII combined with a DPP-4 inhibitor was the fastest way to achieve the blood glucose standard. In terms of insulin dosage, an insulin pump (CSII) combined with the GLP-1 receptor agonist can significantly reduce insulin dosage. Network meta-analysis evidence suggests that an insulin infusion (CSII) combined with oral hypoglycemic drugs can improve clinical efficacy in controlling blood sugar and improving insulin resistance, insulin dosage, and standard time. However, the most outstanding performance was that of insulin infusion (CSII) combined with metformin, which had the best clinical effect in controlling blood sugar and improving insulin resistance.