In a nutshell
This study examined whether new insulin glargine 300U/ml is safe and effective in type 2 diabetics.
Some background
Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initially produce insulin (hormone which lowers blood sugar levels) but it fails to work in the body. Drugs such as metformin (Glucophage) aim to help insulin work in the body. Eventually the pancreas stops producing insulin. Patients then require insulin therapy.
Insulin glargine (Lantus) is a long-acting insulin injected once daily. It is the preferred insulin for T2D patients as it slowly reduces blood glucose (sugar) levels over 24 hours and therefore reduces the risk of blood glucose levels becoming too low.
Patients using insulin glargine receive a dose of 100U/ml (Gla-100). A new version of the drug called Gla-300 (Toujeo) has been developed in which patients receive a dose of 300U/ml. Gla-300 is believed to improve blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of low blood glucose levels in comparison to Gla-100.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of Gla-300 to Gla-100. This study involved T2D patients divided into 2 main groups. 1247 patients received Gla-300, while 1249 patients received Gla-100. Patients received treatment for a period of 6 months.
In both treatment groups, there was no difference in results between treated patients (daily injections or oral drugs) and untreated patients.
There was no difference in the change in HbA1c (average blood glucose levels over 3 months) between both groups (-1.02% decrease in both groups). Patients using Gla-300 had a 31% lower rate of experiencing low blood glucose levels.
Episodes of severely low blood glucose levels were rare in patients receiving Gla-300 (2.3%) and patients receiving Gla-100 (2.6%). Patients receiving Gla-300 gained an average of 0.51 kg, while patients receiving Gla-100 gained an average of 0.79 kg. Side effects such as infections and irritation at the site of injection were similar in both groups.
The bottom line
This study concluded that Gla-300 gives similar control in blood glucose levels to Gla-100. However, Gla-300 is associated with fewer episodes of low blood glucose levels.
The fine print
Patients only received the treatment for 6 months so the long-term safety and effectiveness of Gla-300 is not known.
This study was funded by Sanofi, the manufacturers of Gla-300.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of Gla-300 treatment.
Published By :
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Date :
Apr 30, 2015
