Long-term management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in callitrichids with oral anti-hyperglycaemic medication

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (also defined as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) is the most common form of spontaneous diabetes in humans and non-human primates, and has frequently been reported in callitrichids. Oral anti-hyperglycaemic drugs are the first line of therapy for T2DM along with dietary changes. There are no reports of the successful use of oral anti-hyperglycaemic medication in callitrichids. Here, we describe the diagnosis of five cases of T2DM in callitrichids at ZSL London Zoo, UK, based on persistent hyperglycaemia, glucosuria and elevated blood-serum fructosamine. The stabilization and long-term management of T2DM using oral anti-hyperglycaemic medication are reported. Treatment with metformin monotherapy was successful in controlling and maintaining normoglycaemia in three individuals for between 4 and 6 years. The addition of glipizide was required to achieve glycaemic control in a fourth animal. A fifth animal was refractory to treatment. Compliance was good and no side effects were seen. Based on these findings, we suggest that anti-hyperglycaemic drugs, together with appropriate dietary changes, can be effective in the long-term treatment of T2DM in callitrichids.