Aim: This study compared glycaemic control achieved with biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) monotherapy, BIAsp 30 plus metformin and glibenclamide plus metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled with metformin. Methods: In this multinational, open-labelled, parallel group, 16-week trial, 341 patients (patients not adequately controlled with metformin for at least 1 month) with type 2 diabetes were studied.
Patients were randomized to receive BIAsp 30, twice daily (n=107 exposed to treatment), or BIAsp 30, twice daily, plus metformin (n=108) or glibenclamide plus metformin (n=114). The primary endpoint was HbA(1c) at end of trial; adverse events, hypoglycaemia episodes, blood lipids and weight were also monitored.
Results: In the total population (HbA(1c) 7.5-13.0% at screening), end-of-trial HbA(1c) levels were lower in patients receiving BIAsp 30 plus metformin compared with those receiving BIAsp 30 only [mean treatment difference (+/- s.e.m), 0.39 +/- 0.15%, p=0.007]. In a subpopulation (HbA(1c)>= 9.0% at baseline, n=193), patients receiving BIAsp 30 plus metformin had significantly lower HbA(1c) levels at the end of the trial compared with those receiving glibenclamide plus metformin (treatment difference, 0.46 +/- 0.21%, p=0.027).
Mean body weight (+/- s.d) at the end of the trial was significantly lower in patients receiving glibenclamide plus metformin compared with those receiving BIAsp 30 only (84.3 +/- 13.3 kg vs. 88.9 +/- 16.9 kg, p9%.