In a nutshell
This study investigated the effects of insulin degludec (Tresiba) versus insulin glargine U100 (Lantus) on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes.
They found the number of hypoglycemic episodes was significantly lower in patients receiving insulin degludec.
Some background
Insulin therapy is a common strategy for managing blood glucose levels. This treatment, however, can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood glucose).
Insulin degludec and insulin glargine U100 are long-lasting insulins. Insulin degludec is longer lasting than insulin glargine U100. There is evidence to suggest insulin degludec is more effective at reducing hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods & findings
720 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in this trial. This was a crossover study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either insulin degludec or insulin glargine U100 over a 32-week period. Patients then switched to the other drug for another 32-week period.
Insulin degludec treatment reduced the number of hypoglycemic episodes compared to insulin glargine U100. There was a reduced risk if hypoglycemia in patients receiving insulin degludec (30%). The risk of nocturnal (night-time) hypoglycemia was significantly lower in patients receiving insulin degludec (25%). There was no difference in HbA1c levels between the treatment groups.
The bottom line
This study conlcuded that insulin degludec reduced hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to insulin glargine U100.
The fine print
There is a potential carryover effect as patients switched between treatments. The patients included were predominantly white and the results observed may not translate to other ethnicities.
This trial was funded by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturers of insulin degludec.
What’s next?
Please discuss glycemic control strategies with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Published By :
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
Date :
Jul 04, 2017
