Linagliptin is associated to increased treatment adherence and satisfaction in elderly outpatients with diabetes and advanced chronic kidney disease

The treatment of diabetes in frail elderly patients with decreased renal function is challenging and insufficiently supported by evidence. Due to their good tolerability and low hypoglycemic risk, oral dipeptidyl peptidase- 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have emerged as a reasonable option for glycemic control in the elderly. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of linagliptin, a long acting, oral DPP-4 inhibitor with a predominantly nonrenal elimination route, in elderly patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD). This was a retrospective, observational study in outpatients with type 2 diabetes and advanced-stage CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m²) referring to a diabetes clinic in Italy. Patients were switched from basal insulin to oral linagliptin 5 mg once daily and observed for 14 months. Assessed variables included glycemic control (HbA1c target, 7.5%-8.0%), adherence to treatment (Morisky questionnaire) and patient satisfaction (diabetes treatment satisfaction questionnaire). Adverse events, including hypoglycemic episodes, were also recorded. Thirty patients [mean (±standard deviation) age 70.2 (±8.2) years, HbA1c 7.6% (±0.3), fasting blood glucose 173.9 (±23.5) mg/dL] with type-2 diabetes and advanced CKD were included. The switch to linagliptin did not affect significantly glycemic control, was well tolerated and associated with a reduction in hypoglycemic episodes. Adherence to treatment was better with linagliptin than basal insulin and patient satisfaction significantly improved after switching. Linagliptin appears as a valid option for glycemic control in elderly diabetes patients with severe CKD in treatment with low-dose insulin. However adequately designed longterm studies are needed to confirm these findings.