Long-term results of transferring the patient from therapy with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in combination with metformin to a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor in combination with pioglitazone and inhibitor of type 2 sodium-glucose cotransporter in type 2 diabetes

The pioglitazone belongs to the class of antidiabetic medications and has various pleiotropic effects. The evidence base for this medication, based on the results of randomized clinical trials, demonstrates convincing cardio- and cerebroprotective efficacy of pioglitazone, comparable to innovative glucose-lowering drugs from the classes of GLP-1 agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors. Currently, in Russia, a fixed combination of pioglitazone and alogliptin is available. However, it should be noted that there has been a recent lack of GLP-1 agonists on the domestic pharmaceutical market, which raises questions about the choice of further tactics for patients who have been taking them until recently.

This clinical case presents an example of the transformation of glucose-lowering therapy from a combined treatment regimen with semaglutide and metformin to the combined use of a fixed combination of alogliptin and pioglitazone with empagliflozin. Against the background of therapy change, a stable and pronounced glucose-lowering effect was obtained and confirmed after six months, comparable to GLP-1 receptor agonists without the effect of escape and hypoglycemia. No edema or weight gain was observed, and no other adverse events were detected, which allowed continuing the chosen glucose-lowering therapy. Strategic perspectives of the prescribed therapy were determined — reducing cardio- and cerebrovascular risk and improving the patient’s prognosis.

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