Does IDegLira improve outcomes in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes?

This study looked at the effects of IDegLira, a combination insulin drug, on outcomes in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

They found that IDegLira improved glycemic (blood sugar) control and aided weight loss in these patients.

The treatment of type 2 diabetes is to achieve glycemic control. This can slow disease progression and the development of diabetes-related complications. Achieving glycemic control is difficult and each individual may require different treatments.

In a previous study, IDegLira (a combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide) was shown to be safe and effective and improved glycemic control in patients. Liraglutide is a treatment that increases insulin production and glows emptying of food from the stomach. IDegLira was effective regardless of the initial Hba1c level (average blood glucose over 3 months) or BMI (body mass index, a measure of body fat that takes height and weight into account). Whether or not certain patient populations would benefit from IDegLira was assessed in this study report.

This study included 557 patients who were randomly assigned to either convert from IGlar U100 (insulin glargine) to IDegLira or to receive an increasing dose of IGlar U100. Patients were grouped based on three factors: HbA1c (7.5% or less, 7.5 to 8.5% and more than 8.5%), fasting plasma glucose (FPG; blood glucose after a period without food or drink; less than 7.2 mmol/L and 7.2 mmol/L or more) and BMI (less than 30 kg/m², 30 to 34.9 kg/m² and 35 kg/m² or more).

IDegLira reduced HbA1c levels in all groups. Decreases were significantly more than with IGlar U100. Patients with the highest HbA1c levels showed a greater overall reduction in HbA1c levels following treatment with IDegLira. IDegLira was beneficial in reducing HbA1c levels regardless of baseline HbA1c levels, FPG, and BMI. When comparing patients across FPG and BMI, IDegLira was associated with weight loss whereas IGlar U100 was associated with weight gain. 

This study found that IDegLira was effective in improving glycemic control in patients with varying HbA1c, FPG and BMI. 

Patients with very high Hba1c levels (over 10%) or BMI (over 40 kg/m²) were excluded from the trial. 

If you are having difficulty with your glycemic control, discuss other treatment options with your physician.