Characterization of and costs associated to the profile of patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin who are added a second oral antidiabetic drug: a population study

To determine compliance, metabolic control, complications and healthcare costs of patients treated with metformin started a second antidiabetic drug in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Design multicenter observational retrospective. Patients were evaluated ≥30 years (age), treated with metformin and started a second antidiabetic treatment during 2008-2009. There were 4 patient groups (metformin and another antidiabetic): a) dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (IDPP4), b) sulfonylureas, c) glitazones and d) insulin. comorbidity, metabolic control, compliance and complications. Patients were followed for 2 years. The cost model differed direct health costs (primary care / specialist) and indirect (labor productivity). logistic regression models and ANCOVA, p