New type 2 diabetes study compares efficacy of drugs in maintaining blood glucose levels

By Editor
21st July 2021
Glucose monitoring, Pharmaceutical Type 2 diabetes

A study of people with type 2 diabetes has found liraglutide and insulin to be more effective than other common diabetes drugs in maintaining average blood glucose levels.

The GRADE study compared four of the most commonly used classes of medications used in conjunction with metformin, the American Diabetes Association has reported.

Researchers analysed each medication’s ability to keep average blood glucose levels in the recommended target range, defined as a HbA1c level of less than 7%. The comparison included the two oral medications, glimepiride and sitagliptin, and two injectable medications, insulin glargine and liraglutide.

It was found that liraglutide and insulin were the most effective in keeping HbA1c levels below 7%. They were followed by glimepiride, with sitagliptin showing the lowest effect. Insulin glargine was the most effective in keeping HbA1c levels below 7.5%.

Dr David Nathan, lead study chair and director of the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, said: “The ultimate goal of GRADE is to help clinicians select the therapies that will work best for individual patients, as diabetes care is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

“We believe these results will provide value to both patients and their providers when deciding which medication is needed to meet their appropriate blood glucose target and we are encouraged that these findings can be applied to a very diverse range of patients.”

The study involved more than 5,000 people with type 2 diabetes from a diverse population, with an average age of 57 and an average duration of diabetes of four years. Around 1,250 people were assigned to each of the four medications being compared and were followed for an average of five years.

Those treated with liraglutide and sitagliptin experienced more weight loss than those treated with glimepiride, while those treated with insulin glargine maintained a stable weight.

More gastrointestinal adverse effects, including nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea, were experienced by those receiving liraglutide, while glimepiride was associated with a higher risk for hypoglycaemia.

Researchers also found, based on preliminary results, that liraglutide had a relative benefit for reduction of a composite outcome of heart attacks, stroke, and other heart and vascular complications.

Comments (1)

  1. Klasinse Jasper says:

    Lately, I’ve noticed on the web more than once that there are even drug dealers and scammers who want to sell drugs under the guise of drugs and medications for diabetes and so on. Never take that and don’t try to. Not only will it not help, but it will make life worse. Read for yourself here https://studydriver.com/war-on-drugs-essay/ about the war on drugs and what it led to. I think you will be able to understand a lot for yourself. Good luck!

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