Effects of gliclazide versus metformin on the clinical profile and lipid peroxidation markers in type 2 diabetes

The sulfonylurea gliclazide and the biguanide metformin have different mechanisms to reduce glycemia. We performed a randomized study to compare these two agents with respect to glycemic control and effects on lipid peroxidation markers in 36 adult patients with type 2 diabetes. Both agents significantly decreased glycosylated hemoglobin ([HbA(1c)] P<.05), fructosamine (P <.05), and the glucose-excursion curve during the oral glucose tolerance test ([OGTT] P <.01), With regard to the insulin curve during this test, no significant change was observed with metformin and a significant increase was measured with gliclazide (P <.05). Considering the small number of events, no significant difference was detected in the number of hypoglycemic episodes between the two agents. More upper-gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were observed with metformin compared with gliclazide (P <.05). Even with no change in the standard lipid profile, both agents increased serum vitamin E (P <.01 for gliclazide and P <.05 for metformin) and decreased the level of lipid peroxidation markers in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles (P <.05). Despite different mechanisms of action, gliclazide and metformin demonstrated comparable levels of efficacy and complementary effects on lipid peroxidation markers. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company.