Journal of diabetes and its complications
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J. Diabetes Complicat. · May 2007
ReviewComparison of insulin glargine and NPH insulin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a review of clinical studies.
Despite the evidence-based approach to management of Type 2 diabetes outlined in current diabetes practice guidelines, a large proportion of patients are achieving suboptimal glycemic control. A substantial amount of data exists comparing insulin glargine and neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin for long-acting basal insulin coverage. The objective of this systematic review was to provide a balanced appraisal of existing clinical evidence and to determine the appropriate step in therapy for insulin glargine or NPH insulin. ⋯ Based on available evidence, insulin glargine has shown equal clinical efficacy to that of NPH insulin and similar reductions in A1C and is associated with similar or lower FPG levels. Recent studies also have demonstrated that less frequent nocturnal hypoglycemia incidence is associated with insulin glargine compared with NPH insulin. The known pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes and the need for basal insulin treatment are presented as rationale for comparison of these insulins.