Posted on 02/27/2025 8:17:36 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Millions of people with type 2 diabetes could receive better treatment thanks to a new, simple low-cost tool, according to research.
Researchers have developed an innovative way of identifying the most effective glucose-lowering drugs for a person with type 2 diabetes. By predicting which drug will lead to the largest reduction in blood glucose levels, the easy-to-use tool could pave the way for better health for millions, at the push of a button.
While metformin is the most common first treatment, five other major types of glucose-lowering drugs are available. However, their effectiveness varies widely from person to person and it has not been possible to determine the best glucose-lowering treatment for each patient – until now.
The new tool was created to tackle the challenge of which drug to choose after metformin.
The research revealed that only 18% of people with type 2 diabetes in the UK have been treated with the most effective glucose-lowering drug for them.
Modeling showed that starting people on the drug recommended by the new tool could lead to marked reductions in blood glucose levels (HbA1c) at one year, of around 5mmol/mol on average. Importantly, these improvements in blood glucose levels could approximately double the time until people need to start taking further diabetes medications.
The tool's use was also predicted to lower risks of developing serious long-term diabetes complications including heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.
Professor Andrew Hattersley added, "Critically, our model can be implemented in clinical care immediately and at no additional cost. This is because it uses simple measures such as sex, weight and standard blood tests that are performed routinely. We hope that we can roll out the model quickly to make it available to help people with type 2 diabetes in the UK and across the world."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Beware of units, as the US and UK often use differing units for the same thing.
I will post the tool link, next.
Is there a version for the USA?
If caught prior to irreversible complications, T2D is the poster child of the optional ailments. Just stop doing what caused it - a full time glycemic diet (grains, sugars, excess fruit), and dial down the industrial grain and legume oils to ancestral levels for extra credit (excess Omega 6 linoleic acid).
CGMs are now OTC in the US. Slap one on for a month and ‘diagnose’ the diet. Goal: keep BG below 100 mg/dL at all times, without meds. If on meds, stand by to unwind them to avoid hypoglycemia.
Of course, everyone knows what your saying...except doctors, or more specifically, doctors who want to keep their jobs.
it’s not set up for semaglutides...Ozempic etc
BM
Diet.
Thanks for posting.
I’ll look into this weekend.
I agree with diet. Works like a charm, and costs nothing. Keep total carbs below 20 to 100 grams, max. a day, and no worries with type 2, and much better for type 1.
Something that bothers me is the focus on glucose - and neglecting the more important role played by insulin and insulin resistance. Dr. Jason Fung is a good doc to research... https://www.doctorjasonfung.com/the-diabetes-code for those who might be interested.
I wonder if it is because glucose is quicker and easier to test than the long time (2 to 3 hours) to evaluate how insulin behaves after eating.
I suspect it is cost and time, rather than treating the underlying disease process, focusing instead on the symptoms. But, I could be wrong, of course.
Interesting, thanks.
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