A study conducted by researchers with the American Diabetes Association found that a combination of more than one drugs significantly widens diabetes therapy options for victims of type 2 diabetes. The study focused on subjects already taking the drugs sulfonylurea and metformin in controlling their diabetes. Sulfonylurea steps up the amount of insulin that the body needs, while metformin assists the body in using glucose.
For the diabetes therapy study, subjects were divided into two reasonably even groups. One group was given a regimen of subcutaneous injections of insulin glargine, a longer-lasting form of insulin. The other group took rosiglitazone orally. Over the 24 weeks of study, each group on low doses of each medication in combination with sulfonylurea and metformin showed measurable improvement in blood glucose levels.
For those subjects who entered the study with the highest blood glucose levels, the rosiglitazone, along with the sulfonylurea and metformin, seemed to be most effective diabetes therapy in lowering glucose levels. Insulin glargine, though a bit less effective at reducing glucose levels, had the added benefits of less weight gain and lower cholesterol levels. Thus, researchers concluded that a “triple therapy” approach to treating type 2 diabetes is most effective.
Though insulin glargine was proven effective, in combination with sulfonylurea and metformin, at controlling type 2 diabetes, there are many diabetics who have a fear of injections, of needles entering their flesh. Medical professionals have long recognized that this fear might compromise the effectiveness of insulin in treatment. Thus, the addition of an oral medication (rosiglitazone) as part of the triple diabetes therapy study seemed appropriate.
As with any medications, risks must be weighed against benefits before a regimen of triple diabetes therapy is begun. Additionally, the risks of combining medications must be assessed beyond their effects solely on diabetes. However, results thus far indicate that triple-drug therapy is a viable method of type 2 diabetes control.
Source: American Diabetes Association (Rosenstock triple therapy)