Comparative efficacy of 6 traditional Chinese patent medicines combined with lifestyle modification in patients with prediabetes: A network meta-analysis

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of 6 Traditional Chinese patent medicines combined with lifestyle modification in the treatment of prediabetes with network meta-analysis. Method The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Shen qi jiang tang capsule/granule (Shenqi), Tian mai xiao ke tablet (Tianmai), Tian qi capsule (Tianqi), Jin qi jiang tang tablet (Jinqi), Jin li da granule (Jinlida), Tang mai kang granule (Tangmaikang) in the treatment of prediabetes in PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, China Knowledge Network (CNKI), WanFang and Weipu databases were searched. Three reviewers independently conducted the screening, extracted the data and assessed methodological quality. Data analysis was performed using Rev Man 5.3 and STATA 15.0 software. Results A total of 50 RCTs, including 4594 patients, were included. The addition of Shenqi (OR 0.19 [95 %CI: 0.07, 0.52]) and Jinqi (OR 0.32 [95 %CI: 0.15, 0.71]) to existing lifestyle modification resulted in significant lower incidence rate of DM compared with none/placebo added to lifestyle modification. The addition of Jinlida (SMD −0.41% [95 %CI:−0.81, −0.01]) and Tangmaikang (SMD −0.83%[95 %CI: −1.46,-0.20]) resulted in significant additional HbA1c reductions compared with none/placebo added to lifestyle modification. The addition of all CTPMs except Tianqi resulted in significant additional FBG reductions and the addition of Shenqi (SMD −1.96[95 %CI: −3.64, −0.28]) resulted in significant additional PBG reductions. Conclusion For patients with prediabetes, Shenqi + LM was among the most effective in reducing the incidence of diabetes for patients with prediabetes, while Jinlida + LM was among the least effective. Jinqi + LM and Tianqi + LM might be among the most effective, while western oral drugs + LM, Tianmai + LM, Tangmaikang + LM and Placebo + LM might be among the least effective. In addition, Tangmaikang + LM and Jinlida + LM might be among the most effective in reducing HbA1c, while Tianmai + LM, Tangmaikang + LM, Shenqi + LM, Jinlida + LM and Jinqi + LM might be among the most effective in reducing FPG for patients with prediabetes. Yet direct comparison and further investigation to explore mechanisms are warranted.