Therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus in comorbid patients: The place of sitagliptin

Diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 is characterized by a high level of comorbidity. Frequent concomitant pathologies in individuals with DM type 2 are cardiovascular diseases, as well as diseases of the digestive system (chronic pancreatitis, liver steatosis, chronic gastritis), pathology of the urinary and respiratory systems, concomitant endocrine diseases, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, pathology of the nervous system, sleep apnea. Important tasks in the treatment of patients with DM type 2 are also to reduce the risk of complications, preserve the function of β-cells, increase life expectancy and maintain its quality. Given the comorbidity of patients with DM type 2 and, as a result, the use of a large number of drugs, it is necessary that hypoglycemic therapy is safe, well tolerated, does not have a negative effect on other diseases and does not interact with other drugs. Sitagliptin has demonstrated protective properties in terms of preserving β-cell function and has also proven its safety when used in elderly people, patients with cardiovascular diseases and moderate hepatic and renal impairment. In addition, there is evidence that sitagliptin has a potential cardioprotective effect, which has been shown in animal studies. Thus, sitagliptin can be prescribed to a fairly wide range of patients. Currently, only one sitagliptin drug is registered in Russia, which is completely identical to the original one – this is the drug Xelevia. The drug is available in a dose of 100 mg and is taken once a day, regardless of food intake. This dosing regimen is convenient and increases patient compliance.

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