The effect of repaglinide on blood glucose and islet β-cell function in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients

Objective To explore the effect of repaglinide intensive treatment on islet β-cell function and long-term control of blood glucose in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. Methods Self-control and inter-group control prospective study was conducted in 80 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients who were treated with short-term repaglinide intensive treatment and islet β-cell function was assessed by 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and after repaglinide treatment. The changes of △I30/△G30 ratio, blood lipid, HOMA A and HOMA B were examined. Results After treatment, in successful group, middle group and defeat group, the fasting plasma glucose levels were decreased from 8.9±1.5, 8.6±1.6,9.0±2.0 to 5.0±1.4,6.3±0. 7,6.5±0. 9 mmol/L, 0. 5 h postprandial glucose levels were decreased from (12.6±1.6, 12.6±1.5, 12.4±1.3 to 8.4±1.0, 6.8±0. 7, 8. 6±0. 9)mmol/L,and 2 h postprandial glucose levels were decreased from (13.0±1.2, 13. 1±1.3, 13. 3±1.4 to 9.2±0.9, 6.6±0. 7, 9.2±0. 9)mmol/L,respectively (all P <0. 005). The ratio of △I30/△G30 was increased froml. 69±0. 31, 1.72±0. 33, 1.79±0. 36 to 4. 47±0. 62, 4. 42±0.46,12. 00±0.46 in the three groups, respectively (P<0.05). HOMA B was significantly improved (P<0. 05), while triglycerides and HOMA A were decreased(P<0. 05). The levels of fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose in 21 patients were maintained within normal range for more than six months. There were significant differences in the ratio of △I30/△G30, age, repaglinide dosage and the time of reaching target of glucose 4.47±0.62 vs. 2. 0± 0.46; 39±8 vs. 56±9; 2.0±1.5 vs. 5.0±2.5; 32.4±8.0 vs. 53.3±7.6; all P<0.05] between successful group and defeat group. Conclusions The short-term intensive treatment with repaglinide can significantly improve the early secretion phase of insulin and the islet β-cell function, reconstruct of the physiological model of insulin secretion and relieve the disease.