24-hour glycemic profile in type 2 diabetic patients treated with gliclazide modified release once daily

In type 2 diabetes, the primary and secondary prevention of long-term micro- and macrovascular complications requires a control of blood glucose levels 24 hours a day. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of a new formulation of gliclazide administered once daily, gliclazide modified release, on plasma glucose levels over 24 hours.

In 21 type 2 diabetic patients previously treated by diet alone or oral antidiabetic agents, glycemic profile (8 am, 10 am, 12 am, 2 pm, 5 pm, 8 pm, 10 pm, 3 am and 8 am), overall glycemic control, acceptability, and compliance with treatment were assessed before and after a 10-week treatment with gliclazide modified release, (30-60 mg), given once daily at breakfast.

The results indicate a significant decrease in plasma glucose levels at all points of the cycle. Mean plasma glucose levels over 24 hours and mean plasma glucose levels during the fasting and the postprandial periods were significantly improved after treatment. In previous drug-naive patients, decrease in HbA1C was observed (1.0 +/- 1.1%, P=0.022). The acceptability was good, with no hypoglycemic events, and a high compliance with treatment was also observed.

We can therefore conclude that gliclazide modified release, given once daily at breakfast, is effective over 24 hours in reducing plasma glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. This once-daily administration should lead to an optimal patient compliance with treatment.