New once-daily treatment for Type 2

New once-daily treatment for Type 2 diabetes

Copied in it's entirety from Diabetes UK site

Nick

07 July 2009

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 brainchild.

From the Glucagon-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.

"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," said Cathy Moulton, Care Advisor at Diabetes UK.

"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."

I shall speak to my Doctor

I have been on Victoza since Septenber and with exercise I have (so far) lost 6 stone in weight. It's the best treatment for diabetes that I have ever been on. Now I am no longer Insulin dependent.
Victoza is not an Insulin, it is a Solution, which is making my body produce it's own Insulin.

Yes I have seen some of the fantastic results coming through locally on weight loss and massive blood sugar level drops. I am very very pleased for you.

Did you get any side effects from liraglutide (to give it it's proper name)?

Are you still on metformin as well (as it seems to give far less side effects and less chance of hypos with metformin?

Cheers
Nick

yes I'm still on the same amount of Metformin. Yes when I first started on Victoza I had slight nausia but, that soon stops.

Brilliant ~ glad that you didn't have too many problems ~ I know that there is a reasonable % of people that drop out due to nausea etc although also know that as with metformin a lot of it can be transient. Glad it worked/works for you.
Best wishes
Nick

Thank you kind sir.