Which oral antidiabetic drug to combine with metformin to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia when initiating basal insulin?: A randomized controlled trial of a DPP4 inhibitor versus insulin secretagogues.

We conducted a pilot study to evaluate two therapeutic strategies at the time of insulin initiation in type 2 diabetic patients insufficiently controlled with metformin+insulin-secretagogues (IS, sulfonylureas or glinides). Patients were randomized to remain under the same dual therapy or to receive metformin+DPP4 inhibitors while starting insulin. Similar glycemic control was achieved in both groups. However less hypoglycemia was observed with DPP4 inhibitors despite higher doses of insulin.