Sulfonylurea Inadequacy Efficacy of addition of insulin over 6 years in patients with type 2 diabetes in the U . K . Prospective Diabetes

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS — Glycemic control, hypoglycemia, and body weight were monitored over 6 years in 826 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in 8 of 23 U.K. Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) centers that used a modified protocol. Patients were randomly allocated to a conventional glucose control policy, primarily with diet (n 242) or an intensive policy with insulin alone (n 245), as in the main study. However, for patients randomized to an intensive policy with sulfonylurea (n 339), insulin was added automatically if the fasting plasma glucose remained 108 mg/dl (6.0 mmol/l) despite maximal sulfonylurea doses.