Drug combo shows promise in treating type 2 diabetes

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Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University have made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Their study has found that a combination of two drugs, dapagliflozin and exenatide, maintains its effectiveness in controlling blood sugar levels without losing its impact, even after two years of continuous treatment.

This discovery offers hope for those whose diabetes is not well-controlled by metformin alone.

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where the body struggles with insulin resistance or doesn’t produce enough insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Managing these levels is crucial to avoid long-term complications.

Metformin is often the first drug prescribed, but over time, its effectiveness can diminish for some patients, necessitating additional treatments.

The study involved 695 adults with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by metformin. Participants were divided into three groups: one received weekly injections of exenatide with metformin, another took daily dapagliflozin pills with metformin, and the third group received both drugs together.

The findings revealed that the combination therapy group experienced better blood sugar control compared to those on a single medication, and this effect persisted throughout the two-year study.

Dapagliflozin works by causing the kidneys to remove excess sugar from the body through urine, while exenatide helps increase insulin secretion in response to eating, slows down food leaving the stomach, and promotes a feeling of fullness.

This dual approach not only improves glucose control but also aids in weight loss and blood pressure reduction, offering multiple benefits to those with Type 2 diabetes.

Importantly, the study noted no significant safety concerns with the combination therapy, making it a promising option for long-term diabetes management.

This research underscores the potential of using drug combinations to effectively manage Type 2 diabetes over extended periods. By offering sustained glycemic control, weight loss, and blood pressure improvements, this therapy could significantly impact patients’ health and quality of life.

The findings, published in the journal Diabetes Care, highlight a valuable advancement in diabetes treatment, providing a new direction for those who find metformin alone insufficient for their needs.

If you care about diabetes, please read studies about new way to achieve type 2 diabetes remission, and one avocado a day keeps diabetes at bay.

For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about 5 dangerous signs you have diabetes-related eye disease, and results showing why pomegranate is super fruit for people with diabetes.

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