Researchers part-funded by the NIHR have developed a groundbreaking tool to identify the most effective glucose-lowering drugs for people with type 2 diabetes.
This innovative approach aims to improve blood glucose management and reduce the risk of serious complications.
In England alone, over 3 million people with type 2 diabetes rely on glucose-lowering drugs. However, only about a third meet their blood glucose targets, leading to devastating complications and costing the UK healthcare system £6.2 billion annually. The new tool, developed by researchers at the University of Exeter and supported by Diabetes UK, uses data from 1 million patients to recommend the best drug after metformin.
Leader of the study, and Associate Professor at the University of Exeter, Dr John Dennis, said:
“We have developed a completely new personalised approach for diabetes treatment, that could benefit everyone with type 2 diabetes in the UK and worldwide. For the first time, our model allows people living with type 2 diabetes to quickly identify the best treatment to manage their blood sugar levels, helping reduce their risk of diabetes complications. This offers a major advance on the current approach to choosing diabetes medications.”
The research, published in The Lancet, revealed that only 18% of patients are currently on the most effective drug for them. The tool's use could lead to significant reductions in blood glucose levels and lower the risks of long-term complications. Its performance is being assessed in 22,500 patients across Scotland, with plans for a UK and global rollout.
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