The authors of a new study which examined prescribing patterns in more than 2 million Americans from 2009 to 2015 found that weight-loss medications are rarely prescribed to eligible patients, despite the obesity epidemic. Read more
Patients taking an SGLT2 inhibitor should be aware of the signs of Fournier gangrene, a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection of the skin that involves the tissues, surrounding muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the external genitalia, perianal region, and perineum (the area between the anus and scrotum for men; between the anus and […]
There have been conflicting findings on the diabetes drug metformin’s possible relationship to cancer. The majority of studies conducted on metformin or other glucose-lowering medications and their effect on cancer risk have found inconclusive results, but some research suggests metformin may have a beneficial role in certain types of cancer. Read more
A drug used to treat breast cancer, neratinib, has the potential to stop the immune system from destroying beta cells in type 1 diabetes, according to German researchers. The researchers found that Neratinib was able to protect the beta cells, which produce insulin in the pancreas, enabling the beta cells to continue to produce insulin. […]
In recent years, there have been warnings for the use of SGLT-2 Inhibitors that suggest an increased risk of fracture, particularly when placed on one SGLT2 inhibitor, canagliflozin (Invokana). In 2015, the US FDA added a warning on canagliflozin, indicating that patients on canagliflozin must use caution because of a fracture risk associated with the […]
The TTT-1 trial will begin in Scotland early in 2020 to assess a new combination therapy using insulin, dapagliflozin, and semaglutide. It is being led by Dr John Petrie from the University of Glasgow, a leading expert in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. The trial hopes the treatment will become a new option for […]
Qternmet XR is a single, once daily oral tablet made of dapagliflozin, saxagliptin, and metformin. Results show that the combination of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin have improved glycemic outcomes when added to metformin in patients with diabetes as compared to either drug alone added to metformin. Adverse effects are similar to those of the individual medications. […]
Oral semaglutide, brand name Rybelsus, is the first GLP-1 agonist that can be taken by mouth rather than requiring an injection. Studies have shown a significant reduction in A1c, a reduction in cardiovascular disease, and a reduction in weight, without the risk of hypoglycemia, for this drug. Patients must carefully follow instructions for taking the […]
The FDA has approved a new treatment of Invokana for diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects one in three patients with type 2 diabetes. CKD increases the risk for serious cardiovascular events and end-stage renal disease in patiens with type 2 diabetes. The approval of Invokana meets a 20 year need for therapy to […]
Adults with type 1 diabetes who use cannabis products are more than twice as likely to develop diabetic ketoacidosis as non-cannabis users with type 1, according to a recent study. The researchers say increased appetite due to cannabis use may be a factor, along with impaired ability to manage diabetes. Read more
The FDA has approved a new treatment of the diabetes drug Invokana for diabetic kidney disease, which affects one in three patients with type 2 diabetes and increases the risk for serious cardiovascular issues and kidney failure. Read more
In addition to glycemic control, liraglutide also promotes weight loss, which can be helpful in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, development of gallstones may be a common side effect in patients that are on liraglutide for the treatment of their type 2 diabetes. Read more
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new medication, Rybelsus (semaglutide) oral tablets, for use in controlling blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. Rybelsus is the first medication in the glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor class that does not need to be injected to be approved […]
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) often occurs in patients with type 2 diabetes. A recent study showed that the diabetes medications liraglutide and sitagliptin, in combination with metformin, can improve intrahepatic lipid and therefore benefit NAFLD. Read more
Researchers found that metformin use was associated with a substantially lower risk for dementia among younger African-American patients with diabetes when compared with sulfonylurea, according to a recently published study. Read more
Imeglimin is the first in a new class of oral antidiabetic agents, the glimins. Imeglimin decreases hepatic glucose production, increases muscle glucose uptake, and improves pancreatic glucose-dependent insulin secretion. The drug performed well in combination with metformin in its latest trial. Read more
The results of a major study show that intensive weight management strategies and drug therapy can achieve remission of type 2 diabetes. Patients who once suffered may be able to regain their previous quality of life and reduce their risk of secondary complications later down the line. Read more
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Victoza (liraglutide) injection for treatment of pediatric patients 10 years or older with type 2 diabetes. Victoza is the first non-insulin drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes in pediatric patients since metformin was approved for pediatric use in 2000. Victoza has been approved to treat […]
Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-inflammatory drug that is among the oldest prescribed drugs first used to treat malaria. Researchers have found it may help treat autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA); now, researchers say it can also help with blood glucose management in diabetes. Read more
Scientists have reported a major breakthrough in treating type 1 diabetes: a drug that can delay the development of the disease in young people at high risk. The researchers found that 2 weeks of treatment with an experimental intravenous drug delayed development of type 1 diabetes by an average of about two years. Read more