Basal insulin treatment optimization in T2DM: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in loose addition or in fixed dose combination

Administration of basal insulin formulations is often used when oral therapies fail to achieve and/or maintain adequate glucose control in T2DM. However, observational studies documented that a large percentage of basal insulin treated subjects fails to achieve glycemic targets. Among the possible strategies to intensify basal insulin therapy, addition of a GLP-1 RA has several advantages. Indeed GLP-1 RA mechanism of action could be seen as complementary to insulin action. Furthermore, studies have shown that addition of a GLP-1 RA to basal insulin improves HbA1c with a minimal increase in the risk of hypoglycemia and null or modest weight gain. Addition of a GLP-1 RA to basal insulin therapy might be easier if performed by switching from daily basal insulin injections to daily injections of a fixed dose combination of a GLP-1 RA+basal insulin preparation. Two such fixed combinations are presently available, IDegLira (Degludec Insulin + Liraglutide) and IGlarLixi (Insulin Glargine+Lixisenatide). Two studies with IDegLira and one study with IGlarLixi have shown that these combinations are more efficacious and safer than mere up-titration of basal insulin. Use of fixed dose GLP-1 RA+basal insulin combination appears therefore an excellent strategy of basal insulin intensification. No studies are availbe directly comparing efficacy and safety of IGlarLixi and IDegLira. Data obtained in registration trials appear numerically better for IDegLira. Furthermore, as compared to IGlarLixi, IDegLira offers a greater flexibility in time of administration. KEY WORDS basal insulin; GLP-1 RA; liraglutide; lixisenatide; fixed dose combination.

When basal insulin is not enough: successful strategies for insulin intensification in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Maintaining glycemic control through intensive clinical management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is well recognized to reduce the risk of diabetes-associated complications. Patients in Russia have high rates of microvascular and macrovascular complications as a result of undiagnosed, untreated, or inadequately treated diabetes, emphasizing the need for better clinical management. The introduction of basal insulin therapy is often necessary for patients with T2DM when oral antihyperglycemic drugs and lifestyle management strategies are no longer effective inmaintaining glycemic targets. However, after initiation of insulin, patients often remain on basal insulin for long periods despite suboptimal glycemic control, and intensification of insulin therapy is frequently necessary. Here, we report on several different insulin intensification strategies available to clinicians and their patients to improve glycemic control and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. These strategies include the use of short- and long-acting insulins administered either as bolus doses or as premixed insulins. When selecting the most appropriate intensification strategy, clinicians should consider the lifestyle and treatment goals of their patients to help ensure treatment success.