One-year safety and efficacy results of insulin treatment simplification with IDegLira in type 2 diabetes

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the sustained safety and efficacy of insulin treatment simplification with IDegLira in patients with type 2 diabetes and an HbA1c <= 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) during a 12-month follow-up. MethodsSeventy-two adults with type 2 diabetes and an HbA1c <= 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) treated with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) participated in the trial (age 63.8 +/- 9.5 years, HbA1c 6.4 +/- 0.7%, [46 +/- 8 mmol/mol] body weight 92.95 +/- 18.83 kg, total daily insulin dose: 43.21 +/- 10.80 units; mean +/- SD). Previous insulins were stopped, and once daily IDegLira was started. IDegLira was titrated by the patients to achieve a self-measured prebreakfast plasma glucose concentration of >= 5 mmol/L to <= 6 mmol/L. ResultsAfter 12 months, good glycaemic control was maintained, while body weight decreased significantly. Mean HbA1c changed to 6.2 +/- 0.8% (44 +/- 9 mmol/mol) (p = .109) and body weight changed by -3.89 kg to 89.06 +/- 18.61 kg (p < .0001). The simplified treatment was safe and well-tolerated. Percentage of patients experiencing at least one episode of hypoglycaemia was 49% during the month before simplification and 17% during the last 3 months of the follow-up. ConclusionsInsulin treatment simplification with IDegLira in selected patients with type 2 diabetes is safe, maintains adequate glycaemic control and is associated with weight loss over 12 months.