Comparative Analysis of Treatment Outcomes for Type 2 Diabetes with Different Oral Hypoglycemic Agents

Abstract

Background: The management of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) involves various oral hypoglycemic
agents (OHAs) each with different efficacy profiles and associated risks. Understanding these
differences is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies. Objective: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of multiple OHAs in achieving glycemic control, minimizing complications, and enhancing patient satisfaction in a sample of 200 patients with T2D. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care center, analyzing medical records of 200 T2D patients treated with Metformin, Sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, or GLP-1 receptor agonists. Treatment outcomes assessed included achievement of target HbA1c levels, incidence of diabetes-related complications, and patient-reported satisfaction. Statistical analysis involved chisquare and ANOVA tests, with p-values and odds ratios calculated to assess differences between treatment groups. Results: Metformin was the most commonly effective treatment for achieving target HbA1c levels (<7%) with 75% of patients reaching this goal, serving as the reference standard. GLP-1 receptor agonists showed superior effectiveness with 87.5% efficacy. Sulfonylureas had the lowest efficacy (50%) and highest complication rates, significantly differing from Metformin (p < 0.01). Patient satisfaction was highest with Metformin (87.5%) and lowest with Sulfonylureas (43.75%). DPP-4 and SGLT2 inhibitors demonstrated moderate efficacy and lower complication rates. Conclusion: The study highlights significant differences in the treatment outcomes associated with various OHAs. Metformin remains the effective first-line agent in T2D
management, whereas GLP-1 receptor agonists show promise for superior glycemic control.
Sulfonylureas, despite their effectiveness, may pose higher risks, suggesting the need for careful patient selection and monitoring.