Aims
To compare HbA1c and hypoglycaemia in insulin‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who initiated insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla‐300) or 100 units/mL (Gla‐100).
Materials and methods
This retrospective cohort study examined electronic medical records of insulin‐naïve adults with T2D who initiated Gla‐300 or Gla‐100 during March 2015 through to December 2016 with active records for ≥12 months before and ≥6 months after initiation, and ≥1 valid HbA1c value during 6‐month baseline and 90–180‐day follow‐up. Outcomes included HbA1c and hypoglycaemia. Cohorts were propensity score‐matched (1:2) on baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using broader inclusion criteria.
Results
The matched cohorts included 1004 Gla‐300 and 2008 Gla‐100 initiators (mean age 60.4 years; 53.2% male). During 6‐month follow‐up, Gla‐300 versus Gla‐100 initiators had a greater mean HbA1c decrease (−1.52 ± 2.08% vs. –1.30 ± 2.12%; P = 0.003) and more patients achieved HbA1c <7% (25.0% vs. 21.5%; P = 0.029) and <8% (55.0% vs. 49.2%; P = 0.002); and HbA1c <7% (21.9% vs. 17.4%; P = 0.003) and <8% (49.1% vs. 41.8%; P < 0.001) without hypoglycaemia. Gla‐300 initiators were similarly or less likely to have any or inpatient/emergency department‐associated hypoglycaemia during 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up (e.g. any hypoglycaemia to 6 months: 9.7% vs. 12.5%; adjusted odds ratio 0.61; P = 0.057).
Conclusions
Among insulin‐naïve adults with T2D, Gla‐300 was associated with significantly better HbA1c reductions (latest value during 90–180‐day follow‐up) and similar or improved hypoglycaemia outcomes (3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up) than Gla‐100.