FREQUENCY OF HYPOGLYCEMIA WITH MODIFIED-RELEASE GLICLAZIDE COMPARED TO GLIMEPIRIDE IN TYPE-2 DIABETIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with either modified-release (MR) gliclazide or glimepiride at Bahria International Hospital, Lahore.

Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 200 adult T2DM patients attending the outpatient diabetes clinic. Patients were divided into two equal groups based on their sulfonylurea therapy: 100 receiving MR gliclazide and 100 receiving glimepirides. Participants were included if they had been on the same therapy for at least six months. Data were collected through structured interviews, medical record reviews, and standardized questionnaires. Information gathered included demographics, treatment regimen, HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), frequency and severity of hypoglycemic episodes in the past 3 months, and medication adherence. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square tests and t-tests were used for group comparisons, and logistic regression adjusted for confounders.

Results: The incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly lower in the MR gliclazide group (22%) compared to the glimepiride group (38%) (p = 0.01). The mean number of hypoglycemic episodes per patient was 0.41 ± 0.6 for MR gliclazide and 0.77 ± 0.9 for glimepiride (p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in glycemic control between the two groups (HbA1c and FBG). Medication adherence rates were similar in both groups.

Conclusion: MR gliclazide was associated with a lower frequency of hypoglycemia compared to glimepiride, while maintaining comparable glycemic control. These findings suggest MR gliclazide may be a safer sulfonylurea option for T2DM patients, particularly those at risk of hypoglycemia