Efficacy of metformin versus sulfonylurea derivative in HNF4A-MODY

This study compares the effects of metformin, sulfonylurea derivative (SU) and no treatment in HNF4A-MODY on glycemic control. In two patients with HNF4A-MODY, we changed the existing metformin treatment to SU derivative. The effect on the glycemic control was registered with a Freestyle Libre Flash glucose monitoring device. Each treatment period had a duration of 2 consecutive weeks, and in between, an intermediate period without medication. Data from the first 2 days after changing medications were excluded. We calculated time in range (TIR), and differences in the mean glucose level were tested with a one-way ANOVA test. The 24-h average glucose levels were significantly lower with either metformin (7.7 mmol/L; P < 0.001 and 6.3 mmol/L; P < 0.001) or gliclazide (7.6 mmol/L; P < 0.001 and 5.8 mmol/L; P < 0.001) compared to no treatment (9.4 and 8.9 mmol/L). The TIR with metformin or gliclazide was higher than without treatment (patient 1: 87 and 83 vs 61% and patient 2: 83 and 93 vs 67%). Treatment with either metformin or gliclazide effectively decreases blood glucose, rendering both drugs appropriate for treating HNF4A-MODY.

HNF4A-MODY has a mild phenotype. Blood glucose was responsive to long-term metformin treatment in HNF4A-MODY. Metformin and gliclazide seem appropriate treatments for HNF4A-MODY.