Research Summary

Adding sitagliptin to insulin improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes

Moderate confidence

Low bias

Last updated July 5, 2026

Key Takeaway:

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of adding sitagliptin to insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes, finding significant reductions in HbA1c and hypoglycemia incidence.

Study at a Glance

What was studied

Addition of sitagliptin to insulin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Participants

Young Adult (19–39), Middle Aged (40-64)

Male, Female

with T2 Diabetes

Intervention

Insulin plus Sitagliptin, Insulin therapy

Outcomes

HbA1c, Incidence of hypoglycemia, Treatment satisfaction

Funding

Non-Industry Sponsored

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Main Effects

Adding sitagliptin to insulin reduced HbA1c from 7.9% to 7.0% (P < 0.0001).

No significant change in HbA1c was observed in the insulin-only group (P = 0.32).

Hypoglycemia incidence was significantly lower in the Ins+Sita group.

Treatment satisfaction improved in the Ins+Sita group.

Evidence Summary

Intervention	Outcome	Measured Change	Study Effect
Insulin plus Sitagliptin (Medications)	HbA1c (Glycemic Control)	Decrease	Strong
Insulin plus Sitagliptin (Medications)	Hypoglycemia events (Safety)	Decrease	Strong
Insulin plus Sitagliptin (Medications)	Treatment satisfaction (Patient-Reported)	Increase	Strong
Insulin therapy (Medications)	HbA1c (Glycemic Control)	No Change	Unclear

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Evidence Suggest

Sitagliptin reduced HbA1c by 0.9% compared to insulin alone (P < 0.0001).
No significant change in HbA1c was found in the insulin group (P = 0.32).
The Ins+Sita group experienced fewer hypoglycemic events.

Who this applies to

Adults with type 2 diabetes currently on insulin therapy.
Patients seeking improved glycemic control and reduced hypoglycemia.

Keep in Mind

Results may not apply to all demographics of type 2 diabetes patients.
The study's short duration limits understanding of long-term effects.
Further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger populations.

Between the Lines

The study's population may not represent all patients with type 2 diabetes.
The trial duration was limited to 24 weeks, which may not capture long-term effects.
No data on the long-term safety of sitagliptin was provided.

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Journal Reference

Seiji S, Yoshifumi S, Kinsei K, et al. Efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitor added to Insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes. PLOS ONE. 2015;10(3):e0121988. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0121988

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