Comparative Effectiveness Of Metformin-Based Combinations Versus Non-Metformin Regimens In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic condition that requires effective management strategies, often involving pharmacological treatment. Metformin is the first-line therapy, but as the disease progresses, combination therapies are commonly prescribed. This study aims to analyze the distribution of anti-diabetic medications, specifically metformin-based combinations versus non-metformin regimens.

Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, enrolling 379 participants with T2DM. Data were collected on prescribed anti-diabetic medications, including metformin and other agents such as Glimepiride, Linagliptin, Sitagliptin, Teneligliptin, Dapagliflozin, and Vildagliptin. The study categorized medication use into monotherapies and fixed-dose combinations (FDCs), and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the distribution.

Results: Metformin was prescribed to 60.69% of participants, with the majority (76.52%) using it in combination with other drugs as FDCs. Glimepiride was the second most commonly prescribed medication (30.07%), and other agents like sitagliptin (5.28%) and dapagliflozin (10.55%) were less frequently used. Fixed-dose combinations were frequently prescribed, with the most common being metformin (500 mg) + glimepiride (2 mg), prescribed to 32.72% of participants.

Conclusion: Metformin remains the cornerstone of T2DM treatment, often in combination with other drugs, reflecting current trends in diabetes management. The use of fixed-dose combinations is prevalent, indicating a shift toward multi-drug regimens to achieve better glycemic control. Further research is needed to assess long-term outcomes, including patient adherence, cardiovascular, and renal benefits.