Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. For many patients, metformin is the first-line treatment, helping stabilize blood glucose levels. However, over time, some patients stop responding to metformin and need additional therapies.
A recent study from Thomas Jefferson University offers promising results for these patients, showing that a combination of two diabetes drugs, dapagliflozin and exenatide, remains effective over two years of continuous use.
The study builds on earlier findings that combining two medications can manage diabetes progression better than using a single drug alone. In this trial, 695 adults whose blood sugar was not adequately controlled with metformin were divided into three groups.
One group received weekly injections of exenatide in addition to metformin, another took daily dapagliflozin pills alongside metformin, and a third group received both drugs together.
Participants had the option to extend their participation in the trial, allowing researchers to study long-term effects.
The combination of dapagliflozin and exenatide targets blood sugar control through complementary mechanisms.
- Dapagliflozin belongs to a class of medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These drugs work by helping the body excrete excess glucose through urine.
- Exenatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA). It enhances insulin secretion when glucose levels are high, reduces glucose production in the liver, slows digestion, and increases feelings of fullness.
When used together, the two drugs provide additive benefits. They improve blood sugar control, promote weight loss, and lower blood pressure. This combination not only manages diabetes but also addresses related health concerns, contributing to better overall health.
The study results confirmed that patients taking both drugs achieved better glycemic control compared to those taking only one. Remarkably, this effect remained stable throughout the two-year extension period, demonstrating the long-term effectiveness of the combination therapy.
In addition to improving blood sugar levels, the combination therapy led to weight loss and reductions in blood pressure, two key factors in managing Type 2 diabetes and preventing complications. Importantly, there were no unexpected safety concerns, and the treatment was well-tolerated by participants.
The researchers noted that many diabetes treatments lose their effectiveness over time, making it essential to evaluate long-term outcomes.
This study provides encouraging evidence that the dapagliflozin-exenatide combination can offer sustained benefits for patients struggling to control their blood sugar with metformin alone.
Other studies on these drugs have also shown improvements in metabolic markers like lipid profiles, further supporting their role in comprehensive diabetes management.
The findings offer hope to patients and healthcare providers by demonstrating a long-lasting, effective treatment option. As diabetes continues to be a global health challenge, this combination therapy represents a valuable tool for better disease management and improved quality of life.
The research was conducted by Serge Jabbour and colleagues and published in Diabetes Care. It highlights the importance of innovative approaches to address the evolving needs of patients with Type 2 diabetes.
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