UK Innovation Revolutionizes Global Type 2 Diabetes Treatment: Study Shows - Video

Millions of people with type 2 diabetes could receive better treatment thanks to a new, simple low-cost tool, according to groundbreaking research announced at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2025 and published in the Lancet.

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed an innovative way of identifying the most effective glucose-lowering drugs for a person with type 2 diabetes. By predicting which drug will lead to the largest reduction in blood glucose levels, the easy-to-use tool could pave the way for better health for millions, at the push of a button. Careful management of blood glucose levels is essential for reducing the risk of serious diabetes complications. However, keeping blood glucose levels in a safe range can be challenging, with only about a third of people with type 2 diabetes meeting targets. With diabetes-related complications devastating lives there is an urgent need for new approaches to improve blood glucose management.

The research revealed that only 18% of people with type 2 diabetes in the UK have been treated with the most effective glucose-lowering drug for them

Professor Andrew Hattersley from the University of Exeter, added: “Critically, our model can be implemented in clinical care immediately and at no additional cost. This is because it uses simple measures such as sex, weight and standard blood tests that are performed routinely. We hope that we can roll out the model quickly to make it available to help people with type 2 diabetes in the UK and across the world.”

Ref: A five-drug class model using routinely available clinical features to optimise prescribing in type 2 diabetes: a prediction model development and validation study. Dennis, John M et al.The Lancet, Volume 0, Issue 0. 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02617-5