New Once-daily Treatment For Type 2 Diabetes

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 07 Jul 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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A new treatment for Type 2 diabetes has hit the headlines today. Liraglutide (Victoza), a once-daily injectable treatment for Type 2 diabetes, is pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk's latest brain child.

From the Glucoagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) family of drugs, it can be taken any time of day, irrespective of meals. It helps to control Type 2 diabetes by stimulating the release of insulin when blood glucose levels are too high.

In addition, makers claim liraglutide aids weight loss by making you feel more full and delaying the rate at which your stomach empties. Studies have also shown that the drug can reduce blood pressure and improve the function of beta cells - the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas.

Cathy Moulton, Care Advisor at leading health charity Diabetes UK, said: "Liraglutide widens the choice of treatments for people with Type 2 diabetes that not only offer improved blood glucose control but also aid weight loss. In addition, research has shown that this treatment has a positive effect on blood pressure levels.

"Diabetes UK welcomes safe and effective treatments that give people with diabetes choice in how to best manage their condition. In addition to any prescribed medication, people with diabetes should eat a healthy balanced diet and do regular physical activity. Good diabetes management reduces the risk of developing serious complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation."

Source
Diabetes UK