Background: Hyperglycaemia in hospitalized elderlies with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is frequently seen and increases rates of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality. Basal Bolus Regimen (BBR) is the corner stone in management of hyperglycaemia among non-critically ill hospitalized patients. However, it is complex regimen and associated with increased episodes of hypoglycaemia.
Objective: This study was conducted to explore the efficacy and safety of Di-Peptidyl Peptidase -4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) with or without basal insulin for management of T2D among inpatient hospitalized elderly.
Patients and methods: We included 90 patients with T2D, both males and females, aged 60 years or more. Participants were divided into 3 subgroups; Group 1 on BBR using glargine U100 and regular insulin, Group 2 on basal oral regimen using glargine U100 and vildagliptin, and Group 3 on vildagliptin only.
Results: Of all participants, 68 patients were females, and the mean age of the patients was 68.98 (SD 6.7) years. Mean pre-hospital glycated haemoglobin was 8.09 (SD 1.04) gm%. Documented and severe hypoglycaemia and hospital stay were significantly lower among groups 2 and 3. No serious adverse events reported among all participants.
Conclusion: Using DPP-4i with or without basal insulin is safe, effective, less complex regimen associated with lower episodes of documented and severe hypoglycaemia and hospital stay among elderly patients with T2D.