Trial to Assess the Influence of 4 Weeks' Treatment With Linagliptin as Compared to Glimepiride and Placebo on Endothelial Function in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Using FMD (Flow-Mediated Vasodilation)

The general aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of 4 weeks treatment with linagliptin (5 mg) on endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the current trial this effect of linagliptin treatment on endothelial function will be compared against both the sulfonylurea glimepiride and against placebo, which has not been tested in a trial before; as also is the case for other DPP-4 inhibitors. Besides placebo, glimepiride was chosen as a comparator, as it is one compound of the second most used oral antidiabetic drug class.