By Colin Kenny, GP, Dromore
The investigators examined a cohort of 323,857 people with type 2 diabetes, in the US Veterans Health Administration, who were starting antidiabetes regimens. Baseline HbA1c and BMI were recorded, as were new medication and medication at subsequent intensification. The majority were initiated on metformin, although some started with a sulfonylurea.
In the study all regimens were found to be associated with HbA1c reductions at 1 year of follow-up. Those on insulin-based regimens had a 1–2 kg/m2 weight gain over 3 years. The researchers found non-significant differences between the treatment regimens, with similar HbA1c reductions, suggesting there should be more emphasis placed on identifying oral regimens that are acceptable to people with diabetes and have minimal side effects, such as weight gain or hypoglycaemia.
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