Beta-Cell Function and Sitagliptin Trial (BEST)

Summary

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by progressive deterioration in the function of the pancreatic beta-cells, which are the cells that produce and secrete insulin (the hormone primarily responsible for the handling of glucose in the body). The investigators propose a double-blind, randomized controlled pilot study comparing the effect of sitagliptin (a novel anti-diabetic drug with beta-cell protective potential) versus placebo, on the preservation of beta-cell function over one year in patients with T2DM on metformin, the first-line agent for the treatment of T2DM (ie. the study groups will be (i) sitagliptin and metformin versus (ii) placebo and metformin). This study may demonstrate an important beta-cell protective capacity of sitagliptin. Hypothesis: In patients with T2DM on metformin, treatment with the DPP-IV inhibitor sitagliptin will preserve pancreatic beta-cell function.

Timeline

Start

2007-01

Primary completion

2009-09

Completion

2009-09

Publications

• Stein CM, Kramer CK, Zinman B, Choi H, Opsteen C, Retnakaran R. Clinical predictors and time course of the improvement in beta-cell function with short-term intensive insulin therapy in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Diabet Med. 2015 May;32(5):645-52. doi: 10.1111/dme.12671. Epub 2015 Jan 7.

Drugs

Indications