Home blood glucose monitoring in non-insulin-dependent diabetics: the effect of gliclazide on blood glucose and weight control, a multicentre trial.

The efficacy of the sulphonylurea gliclazide was assessed in 229 non-insulin-dependent diabetics attending U.K. outpatient diabetic clinics. Patients inadequately controlled by diet alone or oral hypoglycaemic agents used reflectance meters to monitor their blood glucose. After a 4-week run-in, in those whose control remained unsatisfactory, gliclazide was either added to diet, or given in place of existing drugs. Patients continued home-monitoring and were followed for 3 months. Gliclazide reduced mean random blood glucose in all groups, particularly those previously treated by diet alone or a first-generation sulphonylurea. The patients improved in their ability to measure glucose at home and within 2 months a good correlation with laboratory measurements was found. Mean body weight was reduced, particularly in obese and elderly subjects and those treated previously with sulphonylurea drugs. Side effects were mild and only two patients were withdrawn for this reason.