 |
Pramlintide May Help Those With Insulin-Requiring Type 2What is the problem and what is known about it so far?People with type 2 diabetes use insulin to control their blood glucose levels. However, insulin dosages are not perfect and can sometimes lead to high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) or low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) after meals. Insulin is also known to cause people with diabetes to gain weight. Why did researchers do this particular study?Recently approved by the FDA, the drug pramlintide has been shown to help insulin doses control blood glucose levels when taken after a meal. There is also evidence that it helps people with diabetes lose weight. The researchers in this study wanted to see how well pramlintide helped control glucose levels. Who was studied?People with type 2 diabetes who had used pramlintide and were taking insulin. How was the study done?Researchers looked at the records of previous patients and selected a random group of 100 patients who had used pramlintide for at least 24 weeks. While researchers focused on A1C levels (a measure of long-term blood glucose control), they also noted changes in stomach width, weight, and BMI (body mass index, a measure of weight in relation to a person’s height). What did researchers find?Pramlintide lowered the A1C levels of patients who used it after a meal—even when their regular doses of insulin were reduced. Patients, many of whom were overweight or obese, also lost weight while on pramlintide. As patients lost weight, their A1C scores improved. What are the studies limitations?The weight loss in patients may have been caused by a decreased insulin dose and not connected directly to pramlintide. In this study, pramlintide was not on its own. What are the implications of the study?Overall, pramlintide did improve blood glucose control and weight loss in patients who were also taking insulin. This means that it may be a good medication in addition to a regular insulin routine for overweight patients with type 2 diabetes. FOR MORE INFORMATION 101 Tips for Improving Blood Sugar, 2nd edition
|
Now Available! Late-breaking Diabetes research summaries Read the ADA's research magazine Forefront Wedding Diabetes Forecast - Free Issue! |
|
| Información en español | About Us | Donate Now | Join ADA | Volunteer | Message Boards | Sign up for Enewsletters |
