Efficacy and safety of once-daily metformin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: Evaluating glycemic control on switching from twice-daily administration

Abstract

Purpose: Metformin (Met) is widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Because of its short half-life, it is usually prescribed not once but two or three times daily in Japan. To assess the efficacy and safety of Met 500 mg once daily on glucose profiles, a study switching from 250 mg twice daily was conducted in T2DM patients, with evaluations by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Methods: Thirty hospitalized patients treated with Met 250 mg twice daily were switched to Met 500 mg once daily at breakfast for 2 days, followed by 2 days consecutive at dinner. We then investigated the changes in the values of fasting plasma glucose, 24-h mean glucose and mean amplitude of glucose excursion over 6 days. Results: The mean fasting plasma glucose and 24-h mean glucose levels were not significantly different after switching to Met 500 mg once daily at breakfast or at dinner: However, the mean amplitude of glucose excursion decreased slightly while taking Met 500 mg once daily at breakfast. Of note, the prevalence of hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal symptoms was not increased. Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of Met 500 mg once daily were almost the same as with Met 250 mg twice daily.