Efficacy and safety of liraglutide added to insulin therapy in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. Issue 1 (2nd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tonoike, Mie; Chujo, Daisuke; Noda, Mitsuhiko
• Is Part Of: Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism. Volume 2:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-11-02
• Subjects: continuous glucose monitoring -- insulin -- liraglutide -- type 2 diabetes; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Diabetes -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; 616.4
• DOI: 10.1002/edm2.43
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2398-9238

Abstract

Summary: Introduction: The combination of GLP‐1 receptor agonists and insulin is effective in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment. However, its longitudinal efficacy and safety in elderly patients have not been established. We evaluated whether liraglutide (Lira) added to insulin therapy safely improved glycaemic control in T2D patients aged >65 years. Methods: Twenty T2D patients receiving insulin were recruited, and Lira was added to their treatment regimen. Before and 6 months after Lira was added, we assessed the metabolic parameters and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data. Results: Six months after Lira was added, the levels of HbA1c and glycated albumin and body weight were significantly improved, despite the daily doses and number of insulin injections per day being reduced. CGM analysis revealed that the SD and AUC of glucose >180 mg/dL were significantly decreased; the proportion of hypoglycaemic events was not increased. Conclusion: Lira administration safely improved glycaemic control and reduced body weight. Lira added to insulin therapy may improve the quality of life in elderly T2D patients undergoing insulin therapy, especially those requiring social support. Abstract : This study aimed to evaluate whether liraglutide added to insulin therapy safely improved glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes patients older than 65 years. We found that, in addition to safely improving glycaemic control, Lira administration also reduced body weight in elderly T2D patients undergoing insulin therapy.