NEJM: Two popular diabetes drugs are superior to others in large clinical trials

In a large clinical trial that directly compared 4 commonly used drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, researchers from the University of Minnesota School of Medicine assisted in finding the best
efficacy of insulin glargine and liraglutide.
The findings were published in two papers in the New England Journal of
Medicine.

The GRADE study is the first to compare the efficacy
of four commonly used drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes with those with short-term diabetes after taking metformin.
The study found that liraglutide is superior to glimepiride and sitigliptin in controlling blood sugar," said
Elizabeth Seaquist, M.
D.
, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Medicine and endocrinologist at M Health Fairview.
"This study provides evidence
for clinicians to work with patients to develop treatment plans.
"

Studies have found that participants taking metformin galiraglutide or insulin glargine achieved and maintained target blood levels the longest
compared to sitagliptin or glimepiride.
This means that blood glucose levels stay within the target range for about 6 months longer than sitagliptin, which is the most effective
at maintaining target levels.
Treatment does not vary by age, sex, race or ethnicity
.
However, none of the combinations performed significantly better than the others
.

The Diabetes Reduction Methodology: Comparative Effectiveness (GRADE) study, launched in 2013, was conducted at centers across the country, including the University of
Minnesota.
The purpose of the study was to compare the four major drugs
approved by the U.
S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when GRADE began treating diabetes in combination with metformin.
Although healthcare professionals generally agree that metformin in combination with diet and exercise is the best way to treat diabetes early, there is no consensus
on how best to control high blood sugar next.

The GRADE study was supported by a grant
from the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (U01DK098246).
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute provides additional support; National Academy of General Medical Sciences; National Science Center for Promoting Translation; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; As well as the American Diabetes Association's Department of Veterans Affairs provides resources and facilities
.
Becton, Dickinson and Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck & Co.
, Inc.
, Novo Nordisk, Roche Diagnostics and Sanofi provided material support
for donated medicines and supplies.