diabetes mellitus
Research
Treatment
Source: The Lancet
Degludec: A promising new drug for the treatment type 2 diabetes
In a nutshell
This study compared the efficacy and safety of two types of insulin - insulin Degludec (Tresiba) and insulin Glargine (Lantus) for patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Some background
Since obesity is thought to be one of the primary causes of T2DM, a diet change and exercise are usually the first line of treatment in this condition. If this does not control the diabetes, patients are treated with an oral medication. If patients stop responding to oral drugs, insulin is the next step. One major complication of insulin intake is hypoglycemia (a life-threatening drop in blood glucose), occuring when insulin is accidently over-dosed or not administered properly (e.g. with meals).
Glargine (Lantus) is a long acting type of insulin injected once per day, with 18 to 26 hours of action. It releases insulin at a similar rate to that of the pancreas. Another long-acting insulin, Degludec (Tresiba) (which was evaluated in this study) is injected 3 times a week and remains active as much as 40 hours
Methods & findings
In this study, 755 patients with T2DM received Degludec (Tresiba) whereas 251 patients were given Glargine (Lantus). Participants were followed-up for one year, and examined for glycemic control (control of blood sugar levels), and frequency of hypoglycemia episodes.
The study showed that Degludec (Tresiba) lowered blood sugar levels similarly to Glargine (Lantus). However, the rates of daytime as well as night-time hypoglycemia were substantially lower in those treated with Degludec (Tresiba) compared to Glargine (Lantus). This alone makes Degludec (Tresiba) a promising new treatment for T2DM.
The bottom line
In conclusion, Degludec (Tresiba) may offer a safer drug compared with Glargine (Lantus), due to the significantly lower rate of hypoglycemia. Therefore, patients with long-standing, insulin dependent T2DM should consider this treatment option.
The fine print
This study was funded by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Degludec (Tresiba).
Disclaimer:
This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use the information provided by Medivizor solely at your own risk. Medivizor makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy of information provided herein. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a physician.
Facebook
Twitter
Email
Share with doctor
Interesting. Is this drug on the market yet and approved for prescription? Does anyone have any experience of it? Reply
Dose it work with other insulin? Reply
Has it been approved for use in Canada and is it availiab=ble by presciption for use also in Canada? Reply
I live in Canada and have been taking Lantus for a few years now. I take 22 units before bed and sometimes keeps the morning sugars down and sometimes doesn't. So I guess that it is a risk you take but don't we all take risks with new meds for diabetes? Reply
I take 1500 Metformin in am, 1000 at bedtime and 60 units of Lantis Solostar. Sometimes it helps - sometimes it doesn't/
Reply
Insulin degludec (Tresiba) was just approved at the end of last month by the FDA for use in the United States. It can be used alone, or in combination with other treatments (including other short-acting insulins). It doesn't look like it has been approved yet in Canada, but please check with your doctor to discuss this treatment. Reply
And in the UK....? Reply
It is also available in the UK. Reply
Thanks Kim, I will discuss this with my diabetes nurse when I next see her.
Reply
Is available in Australia? Reply
Hi Mick, I believe it is available, but please check with your doctor to be sure. Novo Nordisk was seeking approval in Australia, but that can be a long process. Reply
I'm on Novo rapid 3tims a day and Lantus at night Reply
I'm also on Novo Rapid three times a day, and Lantus at night, and I feel that this keeps my sugar level under control. I take the doses of Novo Rapid according to the amount of carbs I consume at each meal.
Reply
i take metformin 500mg 1 pill twice a day , could i use this instead. if so when will it be on the market in canada Reply
I'm in Melbourne (Australia); am on Novomix and Novorapid, and have good control. But there is a slight weight issue. Will it be worth while, discussing a switch to degludec with my Endo. ? Reply
I am presently taking Lantus once a day 50 units, have spoken to my doctor but he has not heard of this medication. Is it availiable in Canada Reply
I also use Lantus at bedtime. Plus 1500 Metformin in am and 1000 at bedtime. My A1C is 7. I'd like to see it at 6. Reply
Is Tresiba approved and available in Israel? Reply
Hi Bernie, yes, I believe it's available in Israel. Reply
I dint her if is available in Australia Sydney! Reply
Hi Mick, I replied above to your comment on October 20 - it has definitely been submitted for approval in Australia, but it's unclear when it will be on the market. Reply
Thank you Kim ! Reply
Thank you, however, I'm not using insulin. I am controlling pretty well on Metformin.
Good information! Reply
This sounds promising. It almost sounds like the test group I'm currently participating in at City of Hope. I'll be talking to my endocrinologist about this one. Reply
I can see we back in front with thes discasin we going no wher we put aour selfs for trails I agree to be the "Giny pig " if will healp Reply
WHEN WILL WE GET IT IN AUSTRALIA?
Reply
I really don't have any comment except I will not take just released drugs. I am not a guinea pig. Awhile back, I asked my doc about Invokana and he said no. Now I'm glad I didn't start taking it with all the publicity on the awful side affects, including strokes, heart attacks and even deaths. Class action suit has been filed. Reply
My A1c keeps going up I take metformin but it not working need to get this under control, any suggestion. I have lost 30 lbs and I am in good shape just don't want to get into insulin, since you have to continually increase Reply
You may have to. Although there are some good drugs that can be taken with Metformin. Ask your doctor about Janumet and Actos. Reply
Pete, I had trouble with Metformin. Ask your doctor about Javuvia. Works better for me
Reply
What best oral meds I don't take insulin I take Glyburid/metform 2.5-500 two tablets twice a day Reply
Im on janumet XR 100/1000
and have been well on it.
But changing your diet intake and at least making an effort to walk daily. Really can make a difference. Neither matter what meds or insulins we take.
You think and worry about it too much it does become an issue. So once your body feels comfortable with what meds your taking. Control it dont let it control you. All the best everyone Reply
I'm on Latus at night and Novo day time still straggling with my sugar levels
I like to tray the new drag maybe halp me Reply
Forearmed and forwarned with knowledge is always helpful. No problem with lantus so far and will continue using this product. Reply
I take a 1000mg of metformin in the morning and 1000mg at night. And it's barely hanging in there. Should I be trying or doing something else ?? Reply