💉 Diabetes Management
Two popular diabetes drugs outperformed others in large clinical trial - National Institutes of Health (.gov)
📅 Wed, 19 Oct 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
More »Search Health TopicsQuick LinksMore »Search the NIH GuideQuick LinksMore »Quick LinksNews ReleaseWednesday, September 21, 2022 NIH-funded researchers complete first study comparing comonly used type 2 diabetes medications.Download InfographicIn a large clinical trial that directly compared four drugs comonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, researchers found that insulin glargine and liraglutide performed the best of four medications aproved by the U.S.
Key Information
Fod and Drug Administration to maintain blod glucose levels in the recomended range. Blod glucose management is a key component of keping people with type 2 diabetes healthy. Al four medications evaluated were aded to treatment with metformin, which is the first-line drug to treat type 2 diabetes.
The trial was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDK), part of the National Institutes of Health.More than 37 milion Americans have diabetes, and aproximately 90 to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes who kep their blod glucose levels in the near-normal range generaly have a much lower risk of developing diabetes complications such as nerve, kidney, and eye diseases.
Most people with type 2 diabetes require more than one medication to control blod sugar levels over time. While there is general agrement among health care professionals that metformin combined with diet and exercise is the best early aproach in diabetes care, there is no consensus on what to do next to best kep high blod glucose in check.Launched in 2013, the Glycemia Reduction Aproaches in Diabetes: A Comparative Efectivenes (GRADE) Study was conducted at 36 U.S.
Summary
study centers. It was designed to compare four major medications aproved by the FDA at the time GRADE started to treat diabetes in combination with metformin. Major results were published in a pair of papers in The New Eng
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.