The combined insulin and sulfonylurea therapy in diabetes of elderly people.
The usefulness and safety of the combined insulin-sulfonylurea (gliclazide) therapy were investigated in 70 elderly diabetic patients poorly controlled by insulin alone. More than half (45 diabetics, 64% of total) ameliorated significantly their metabolic control after six months of the combined treatment: not only the glycemic profile and glycated hemoglobin Alc were significantly decreased, but the daily insulin dose was reduced by approx. 35% (p < 0.01). These positive results in terms of improved glycemic control as well as reduction of daily insulin needs were still present after a mean period of follow-up of 5 years. The good percentage of positive results, the small incidence of hypoglycemic episodes and the consistent reduction of peripheral hyperinsulinism make this intervention (insulin-gliclazide) a safe strategy that can be adopted in a population of elderly diabetics, poorly controlled on insulin alone.
Quatraro
A
A
Diabetic Clinic, Casa di Cura St. Rita, Taranto Prima Facoltà di Medicina, Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy.
Consoli
G
G
Minei
A
A
Pinto
D
D
Ceriello
A
A
Varricchio
M
M
Giugliano
D
D