Six studies with seven treatment arms and 1,364 patients were included. The number of participants ranged from 262 to 1,172. Studies duration ranged from 16 to 52 weeks.
The pooled decrease from baseline in glycated haemoglobin (0.91%, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.11) and fasting plasma glucose (1.80mmol/L, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.51) was significantly greater in the sulphonylurea-treated group. The odds of experiencing a hypoglycaemic event was significantly higher in sulphonylurea-treated patients (OR 5.28, 95% CI 1.71 to 16.33). Data for these outcomes came from all six studies. The mean weight change ranged from +2.5kg to - 0.1kg, dependant on the comparator treatment (five studies).
Statistical heterogeneity was significant for glycated haemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and the risk of hypoglycaemic event.