New treatment may reduce likelihood of type 2 diabetes for high-risk individuals
Millions of people across the U.S. suffer from type 2 diabetes, and many buy Actos and other prescription medications to help improve their blood glucose control.
Millions of people across the U.S. suffer from type 2 diabetes, and many buy Actos and other prescription medications to help improve their blood glucose control. Meanwhile, millions more are at risk for developing the chronic illness, and a recent study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine has explored the efficacy of a treatment called sitagliptin, which may be effective in preventing the disease in these individuals.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University studied the effects of the drug in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. They divided the animals into three groups, treating one with a placebo, one with sitagliptin and another with an older medication called glyburide.
They discovered that sitagliptin and glyburide have similar effects in terms of lowering glucose levels after a meal. However, only the new treatment was able to optimize insulin output by the pancreas and lower levels of a hormone called glucagon, which has been thought to contribute to the development of diabetes.
"These animal studies suggest that sitagliptin should be tested in the clinic as a possible diabetes-preventing medication," said researcher Paul Emsberger.
Many patients who have already developed type 2 diabetes buy Actos to help them better manage their condition.
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