Managing Type 2 diabetes can be challenging, and for many people, the struggle often extends beyond just eating right and exercising.
Medication plays a big role in keeping blood sugar levels under control, with metformin being the first choice for many patients. But when metformin is not enough, doctors prescribe a second type of medication.
This is where things get complicated.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine, soon to be published in the American Journal of Managed Care, took a closer look at why so many people stop taking their diabetes medicine after moving on from metformin.
The research studied data from over 82,000 patients with Type 2 diabetes between 2014 and 2017. The results were surprising: within just one year of starting a new medication after metformin, almost two-thirds of the patients either stopped taking it, switched to a different kind, or had to increase their dosage.
This inconsistency can cause a lot of problems. When people stop taking their medicine or switch frequently, it makes it harder for doctors to help them manage their diabetes. It also costs the healthcare system more money and, more importantly, puts patients at risk of serious health issues.
The study focused on five different types of diabetes medications that are not insulin-based. Out of these five, four types had a 38% dropout rate, which means nearly four out of every ten people stopped taking them. The numbers were even worse for a specific class of medicine called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which are sold under names like Ozempic and Wegovy.
These drugs are popular not just for managing blood sugar but also for weight loss. However, about half of the patients who started these medications stopped taking them within a year. One possible reason is the side effects, which can include nausea and diarrhea. For some people, these side effects are just too hard to deal with, even if the medicine is helping their diabetes.
Dr. David Liss, the main author of the study and a research associate professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, pointed out that stopping these medications too early can have serious consequences.
People who quit their diabetes medicine are at a higher risk of ending up in the hospital with diabetes-related problems. Keeping blood sugar levels steady is important for avoiding complications, and sticking with the right medication is a big part of that.
One interesting finding from the study was that patients were less likely to stop their medicine if it was prescribed by an endocrinologist rather than a family doctor.
Endocrinologists specialize in hormone-related diseases, including diabetes, so they often know more about the latest medications and how to manage side effects. This extra knowledge might make it easier for them to talk to patients about what to expect and how to deal with any issues that come up.
The researchers gathered their information by looking at health insurance claims. This means they were able to track when people started a new medicine, stopped it, switched to a different one, or increased their dose.
However, it also means they could not always know why someone stopped taking their medicine. Some people might have just quit without telling their doctor, making it harder to understand the real reasons behind their decisions.
Dr. Liss stressed the importance of good communication between patients and their doctors. Simply handing over a prescription is not enough. Patients need to understand the benefits and possible side effects of their medication, and doctors need to follow up regularly to see how things are going.
This kind of communication can help people stay on track and avoid the risks that come with stopping their medicine too soon.
The study is a reminder of how important it is to understand the challenges people face when managing their diabetes. Finding ways to help people stick with their treatment can lead to better health and less strain on the healthcare system.
If you or someone you know is living with Type 2 diabetes, it is important to keep the lines of communication open with your doctor and ask questions if you are worried about side effects or costs.
This study also hints that there might be other ways to manage diabetes. Some new research suggests that low-calorie diets can help reverse diabetes, and certain vitamins might help prevent complications. It is always good to talk to your doctor about all the options available to manage your health in the best way possible.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that pomace olive oil could help lower blood cholesterol, and honey could help control blood sugar.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing eggs in a plant-based diet may benefit people with type 2 diabetes.
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