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.