Sitagliptin Effective for Type 1's

Researchers led by Samuel L. Ellis, PharmD, Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Aurora, Colorado, discovered that in a crossover, placebo-controlled pilot study, A1c dropped from a mean of 9.5% to 8.8% before rebounding to 9.0% among those treated with sitagliptin 100 mg daily for the first month and then switched to placebo in the second month. 

Among patients who initiated treatment on placebo who had a mean baseline A1c of about 9.2%, the level declined to 8.8% while on placebo and then continued to drop to 8.6% when treated with sitagliptin. The declines seen with sitagliptin versus placebo achieved statistical significance (P = .025).

Dr. Ellis stated that, "Despite new therapies and technology, the average A1c in patients with Type 1 diabetes remains well above ADA recommended targets."

In the study, he and colleagues enrolled 19 patients with Type 1 diabetes which was poorly controlled on their current insulin therapy. The patients in the study were aged about 32 years and had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes for 10 to 28 years.

In addition to its ability to reduce A1c, Dr. Ellis said the research team observed that "sitagliptin improved glucose control and decreased mean blood glucose values and total daily insulin dose. Time spent in euglycemia was also increased."

The researchers said the study indicates that further research involving greater numbers of patients is required to further define the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin in patients with Type 1 diabetes. 

Presentation title: Effect of Sitagliptin on Glucose Control in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes - A Pilot Study. Abstract LB-9, ADA 70^th Scientific Sessions