Insulin and glucagon combo- Novel approach for blood sugar control in diabetes

USA: Co-administration of insulin and glucagon provides protection against insulin-induced hypoglycemia without worsening hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients, according to a recent study published in the ADA journal Diabetes.This essentially means that this combo will control high blood sugar along with protection from sudden and severe fall in blood sugar in type 1 diabetes.

The results were also presented at the American Diabetes Association' (ADA) Virtual 80th Scientific Sessions.

Despite advances in the pharmacological and technical fields, the risk of hypoglycemia remains the major concern for the regulation of optimal blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes. there is an increasing interest in how the opposing actions of insulin and glucagon (Gn) may be harnessed to optimize glycemic control.

For the purpose, Bruce W. Bode from Atlanta, GA, and colleagues studied 11 T1D patients (age 36±4y, gender M:F 5:6, BMI 25.0±0.7 kg/m2, disease duration 23±3y, A1C 7.0±0.3%, daily insulin dose 43±3u) on two occasions, under meal challenge conditions (liquid mixed meal, 100g carbohydrate) during a phased 6h IV regular insulin infusion with (+Gn) and without (-Gn) IV glucagon. On both occasions, subjects were treated overnight with low dose IV insulin prior to the morning meal to prevent antecedent nocturnal hypoglycemia and to attain near-normal fasting glycemia.