Optimizing weight control in diabetes: antidiabetic drug selection

Abstract

Clinical question

Which antidiabetic drugs provide optimal weight control in patients with type 2 diabetes?

Results

Metformin reduces weight gain, and may cause weight loss, when given alone or in combination with other drugs. Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone use is associated with weight gain. Use of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs, liraglutide and exenatide, is associated with weight loss. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are considered weight-neutral. Results with insulin therapy are conflicting. Insulin detemir provides weight control along with glycemic control.

Implementation

• Weight gain is considered an inevitable part of good glycemic control using conventional modalities of treatment such as sulfonylureas.1

• Use of metformin, weight-sparing insulin analogs such as insulin detemir, and liraglutide, should be encouraged as monotherapy, or in combination with other drugs.

Keywords:

• weight control
• diabetes

Notes

Conflict of interest: SK has received speaker fees from Novo Nordisk, sanofi-aventis, MSD, Eli Lilly, BMS, and AstraZeneca.

Date of preparation: 18th August 2010