876-P: Imeglimin, a Novel, First-in-Class Glimin Helps in Maintaining ß-Cell Function in Patients with Recent-Onset Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults—A Nine-Month Prospective Study

Objective: Imeglimin is being used in T2DM. The effect of imeglimin on β-cell function in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is not known, however, based on its mechanism of action, imeglimin could be expected to preserve pancreatic β-cell function in LADA patients. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of the imeglimin on β-cell function in patients with recent-onset LADA.

Research Design & Methods: This was an open-label, randomized-controlled trial conducted in a specialized diabetes care unit in India. Thirty Six recently diagnosed LADA patients were randomized to receive insulin therapy with 1000 mg twice a day imeglimin (n = 18) or without imeglimin (n = 18) for 9 months. Fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood samples were obtained at baseline and after 3, 6, and 9 months of treatment to determine blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and C-peptide levels.

Results: There were no significant differences in glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels between the two groups during 9 months of follow-up. At 9 months, fasting C-peptide, 2-hour postprandial C-peptide, and increment in C-peptide (delta CP) levels were not different in Insulin plus imeglimin group (P > .05) compared with baseline, whereas in Insulin without imeglimin group the levels of fasting C-peptide, 2-hour postprandial C-peptide, and increment in C-peptide (delta CP) levels were significantly decreased compared with baseline (P < .05). Levels of 2-hour postprandial C-peptide were higher in Insulin plus imeglimin group than Insulin without imeglimin group at 9 months (P < .05).

Conclusions: Imeglimin helps in maintaining β-cell function in patients with recent-onset Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults when given with insulin when compared to insulin given alone.