Canadian Study Demonstrates New Approach To Achieving Diabetes Control

Insight study reveals leading research on the benefits of using insulin earlier Results of an all-Canadian study announced June 13 at an international diabetes congress demonstrate that patients with type 2 diabetes can safely achieve target blood sugar (glycemic) levels faster and more frequently when insulin glargine (a basal, long-acting insulin) is added to therapy, versus using oral agents alone.

In addition to achieving better glycemic control, patients using insulin glargine expressed increased satisfaction with their treatment and experienced improved quality of life.

The INSIGHT study (Implementing New Strategies with Insulin Glargine for Hyperglycemia Therapy), presented at the 65th American Diabetes Association Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions by lead investigator, Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, a professor of medicine and director of endocrinology and metabolism at McMaster University in Hamilton, demonstrated that early addition of insulin glargine therapy (in combination with oral agents or alone) safely achieved better glycemic and metabolic outcomes than adding oral agents. These results were achieved with no increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) compared to oral medications.

"Often, insulin therapy is considered as a last resort during late-stage disease," said Dr. Gerstein. "What INSIGHT has shown is that basal insulin therapy with insulin glargine can be safely and effectively introduced early in the course of diabetes. These results may help change the way that type 2 diabetes is managed in the future."

All patients in the study had an A1C (target glycemic level) between seven and 11 per cent. This is above the recommended target of seven per cent or less, established by the Canadian Diabetes Association in the 2003 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada. When insulin glargine was added to their treatment, patients were able to achieve lower and steady blood glucose levels more quickly and more often.

The INSIGHT study is an all-Canadian study comparing the percentage of people who reached a target glycemic level (A1C) of 6.5 per cent or less, in two consecutive readings, when insulin glargine was added to their current therapy, versus those on adjusted oral therapy alone. The study, involving 19 endocrinologists and 34 general practitioners, was conducted at 53 study sites including British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. A total of 405 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled to participate in this open-label, randomized, two-arm parallel study that consisted of a two-week screening phase and a 24-week treatment phase.

Presented at the ADA 65th Scientific Sessions

Learn about the Steps To Health, a program to increase physical activity that has gone through 8 years of clinical studies to show its effectiveness.

https://www.steps-to-health.org

===========================
Advertisement

Do you have patients with painful, numb feet? Over 2500 Anodyne Neuropathy Care Centers(r) are reducing pain and improving sensation and balance for thousands of patients per month. To find out how you can help your patients get back to life, click here. https://www.diabetesincontrol.com/annodyne/anodyne10_31_01.php