Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where the body struggles to use or produce insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels.
While metformin is often the first medication prescribed to manage this condition, many patients find that over time it becomes less effective, requiring additional treatments to maintain control.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have made an important breakthrough, showing that a combination of two diabetes medications, dapagliflozin and exenatide, not only helps regulate blood sugar but also maintains its effectiveness over time.
This combination therapy could offer new hope for patients whose blood sugar is not adequately controlled with metformin alone.
The study, published in Diabetes Care, included 695 adults with Type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar levels were not well-managed with metformin.
Participants were divided into three groups: one group received weekly injections of exenatide alongside metformin, another took daily dapagliflozin pills with metformin, and the third group combined both exenatide and dapagliflozin with metformin.
The results were compelling. Patients on the combination therapy experienced better and longer-lasting blood sugar control compared to those on just one of the medications.
This benefit persisted throughout the two-year study, highlighting the treatment’s potential for long-term effectiveness.
How the Combination Works
Dapagliflozin and exenatide work in complementary ways to manage blood sugar:
- Dapagliflozin: This medication helps the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine, reducing blood sugar levels.
- Exenatide: This drug increases insulin production in response to meals, reduces glucose production by the liver, slows digestion, and helps patients feel fuller longer.
When used together, these medications enhance blood sugar control, promote weight loss, and lower blood pressure. These additional benefits are crucial for many people with Type 2 diabetes, as the condition often comes with other health challenges like obesity and hypertension.
Safety and Efficacy
The study also confirmed that the combination therapy is safe, with no unexpected side effects emerging during the research period. This makes it a reliable option for patients who need a more effective way to manage their diabetes.
Dr. Serge Jabbour, the lead researcher, emphasized the significance of these findings for the future of diabetes care.
For patients who find metformin alone insufficient, this dual-drug therapy offers a promising alternative that not only stabilizes blood sugar but also addresses related health concerns.
A Step Forward in Diabetes Care
This research underscores the value of a tailored approach to managing Type 2 diabetes, particularly for those whose condition is not adequately controlled with standard treatments.
By combining dapagliflozin and exenatide, patients can achieve better blood sugar control, sustain these improvements over time, and benefit from added advantages like weight loss and lower blood pressure.
For people living with Type 2 diabetes, this combination therapy represents a significant advancement in treatment options, providing a safer, more effective way to manage the condition over the long term.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about a cure for type 2 diabetes, and these vegetables could protect against kidney damage in diabetes.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about bone drug that could lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and results showing eating more eggs linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
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