The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) Indicator Advisory Committee met in June to consider the results of a review of a number QOF indicators. Uncertainty had been expressed about the safety of the HbA1c indicator of 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) with regard to the DM23 QOF indicator.
After discussion, the Indicator Advisory Committee recommended that the threshold for this indicator should remain unchanged. However, the HbA1c indicator should be increased to 7.5% (59 mmol/mol). If adopted, this recommendation could become part of the QOF from April 2011.
Novo Nordisk to discontinue Mixtard® 30
In June, Novo Nordisk announced its decision to discontinue the biphasic human insulin Mixtard® 30 in the UK and Ireland. The discontinuation of Mixtard® 30 – available in three preparations: Mixtard® 30 vial, Mixtard® 30 Penfill® and Mixtard® 30 InnoLet® – will be effective on 31 December 2010.
By discontinuing Mixtard® 30, Novo Nordisk suggests that it will focus resources on developing the next generation of insulins and further advancing diabetes care. Viggo Birch, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk in the UK and Ireland, said: “Novo Nordisk is committed to fighting diabetes and advancing diabetes care for the benefit of the growing numbers of people living with diabetes in the UK. We must continue to make progress in the fight against the diabetes pandemic. Modern treatments are needed to improve care for people with diabetes and it is vital that we continue to invest in researching new therapies.”
Mixtard® 30 was launched more than 25 years ago and its use in the UK has steadily declined over the past 6 years.
Novo Nordisk have recognised that this discontinuation may cause some concern for people with diabetes and some healthcare professionals. It plans to provide a comprehensive range of support materials, including a dedicated UK helpline (08456 005 055), to ensure a smooth transition for those effected.
BD launches world’s smallest pen needle – just 4 mm long
BD have announced the launch the world’s smallest pen needle, dubbed the Micro-Fine™ + 4 mm pen needle.
Studies suggest that as many as one-fifth to one-third of people with diabetes are hesitant or unwilling to give themselves insulin injections for reasons that include needle anxiety. People who reported injection-related pain or embarrassment intentionally skipped insulin injections more often. The short length (4 mm) and thin gauge (32 G) of the pen needle may help people with diabetes adhere to an insulin injection regimen and improve outcomes.
Trials suggest that insulin injections with this new fine pen needle provide equivalent glucose control to longer insulin pen needles, effectively delivering an insulin dose to subcutaneous tissue, while reducing the risk of injecting into muscle.
GPs praise NICE update on type 2 diabetes newer agents
A new survey, conducted on behalf of MSD, has revealed that NICE guidance on the use of newer agents for blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes – launched a year ago – is being endorsed by GPs.
Two-thirds (67%) of the 300 GPs surveyed saw the guidance as positive. Fifty-nine per cent and 44% of GPs claimed their prescribing of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist classes, respectively, had increased over the past year. It followed that 40% claimed their prescribing of the older treatments, specifically sulphonylureas, had decreased.
NICE okay liraglutide for second-line therapy in T2D
NICE has issued a Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) on the use of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide (Victoza®; Novo Nordisk, Crawley) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
The FAD includes a recommendation that liraglutide at the 1.2 mg daily dose – irrespective of the person’s BMI – can be used in combination with one oral antidiabetes drug, if other antihyperglycaemia agents are unsuitable in combination with other current treatments or cannot be taken due to intolerances.
NICE reports in the FAD that liraglutide (1.2 mg) is a clinically- and cost-effective treatment option for blood glucose-lowering among people with type 2 diabetes and a BMI of ≥35 kg/m2, unable to maintain good glycaemic control with two oral agents.
Attempts to achieve remission, or at least a substantial improvement in glycaemic control, should be the initial focus at type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
9 May 2024