Comparative study: Efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin vs. pioglitazone as an add-on therapy to metformin in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Punjab

Introduction: The incidence of diabetes in urban Punjab is on the rise and the number of diabetics is increasing year by year. Material and methods: This 24 week study was designed to compare vildagliptin versus pioglitazone as an add-on therapy in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with metformin alone in Punjabi population. Sixty patients were randomized in two groups to receive either vildagliptin 100 mg (group 1) or pioglitazone 30 mg (group 2) in addition to metformin 1000 mg. The primary efficacy end point was change in FBG, PPG and HbA1c. Secondary end point included lipid profile, body weight and peripheral edema. Results: There was no significant difference between mean reduction in FBG, PPG and HbA1c in both groups. There was significant decrease in mean body weight in group 1 in contrast to significant increase in group 2. Both the treatment groups reported a significant decrease in TG, TC, LDL and increase in HDL. Conclusion: Vildagliptin displays robust efficacy with the added benefits of a much lower risk of peripheral edema, hypoglycemia and no weight gain, making it a promising alternative to pioglitazone as an add-on therapy to metformin in Punjabi population.