Type 2 diabetes is a common condition in which the body struggles to use insulin properly, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Metformin is often the first medicine that doctors prescribe to help control blood sugar in people with this condition.
However, over time, some people may find that metformin alone is not enough, leading to the need for additional treatments.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have made a notable breakthrough by discovering a combination of two diabetes drugs that not only effectively manages blood sugar levels but also remains effective over the long term.
These two drugs, dapagliflozin and exenatide, were put to the test in a large study involving 695 adults with Type 2 diabetes who were not achieving satisfactory results with metformin alone.
How the Study Was Conducted
Participants in the study were divided into three different groups to see which treatment worked best. The first group received weekly injections of exenatide in addition to their usual metformin treatment.
The second group took daily dapagliflozin pills alongside metformin. The third group was given both new drugs in combination with metformin.
The results were striking. Those who received the combination of both drugs experienced better blood sugar control compared to those who received just one additional drug. Moreover, these improvements lasted for the entire two-year duration of the study.
How Dapagliflozin and Exenatide Work Together
The success of this combination therapy lies in how these two drugs work in the body. Dapagliflozin helps the kidneys get rid of extra sugar by passing it out through urine. This drug targets a key problem area for people with Type 2 diabetes—high blood sugar levels.
Exenatide, on the other hand, has multiple effects. It increases insulin production when food is eaten, reduces the liver’s sugar production, slows down how quickly food leaves the stomach, and makes people feel fuller for longer.
By addressing different aspects of blood sugar control, exenatide adds another layer of effectiveness to the treatment.
Benefits Beyond Blood Sugar Control
In addition to controlling blood sugar levels, the combination of dapagliflozin and exenatide was found to have other positive effects.
Many participants experienced weight loss, which is an important factor for managing Type 2 diabetes. The combination also helped lower blood pressure, further supporting overall health improvements in patients.
Safety and Long-Term Effectiveness
The study not only showed that the combination of these two drugs is effective, but it also confirmed their safety.
Over the two-year period, there were no unexpected health issues linked to the treatment. This adds to the appeal of using this drug combination as a long-term solution for people who struggle to manage their diabetes with metformin alone.
The Impact of This Discovery
These findings were published in the medical journal Diabetes Care, where Dr. Serge Jabbour, who led the research, emphasized the significance of this discovery.
For those with Type 2 diabetes who are not seeing enough progress with standard treatments like metformin, this new combination offers a promising alternative.
By providing better blood sugar control, aiding in weight loss, and lowering blood pressure, the combination of dapagliflozin and exenatide addresses multiple health concerns faced by people with Type 2 diabetes.
The continued effectiveness and safety of these drugs make them a compelling option for those dealing with more complex cases of the condition.
A Hopeful Outlook for Diabetes Management
This study brings hope to many individuals seeking better and more reliable ways to manage their Type 2 diabetes. As more research continues, treatments like this could play a key role in helping people maintain stable blood sugar levels and improve their overall health.
For now, the combination of dapagliflozin and exenatide offers an effective new option for tackling a condition that affects millions worldwide.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and what you need to know about avocado and type 2 diabetes.
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