METHODS

Design:

randomised controlled trial.

Allocation:

concealed.*

Blinding:

unblinded.*

Follow up period:

24 weeks.

Setting:

13 centres in Europe, South Africa, Israel, and Brazil.

Patients:

427 patients 35–80 years of age (mean age 60 y, 53% men) who had type 2 diabetes mellitus ⩾6 months, were poorly controlled on sulphonylurea therapy ⩾2 months, and had normal pulmonary function test results. Exclusion criteria included asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; smoking in the previous 6 months; concomitant therapy with hypoglycaemic agents or agents that may affect glycaemic control; fasting C …