A new proof-of-concept study has shown positive results in type 2 diabetes therapy. If such a treatment proves effective, it would mean that patients can survive without itinsulin livecan. The study authors presented their research at UEG Week Virtual 2020. This is a conference organized by United European Gastroenterology, a professional non-profit organization for digestive health specialists.
New concept for diabetes type 2 therapy
OneTreatment for type 2 diabetesmay be necessary with insulin if the affected person cannot maintain blood sugar at normal levels. Such therapy can take the form of injections, pens, pumps or inhalers. This stimulates the cells in the body to absorb more blood sugar. However, people's perception of the side effects of insulin treatment can be very pronounced. As a result, doctors may be less likely to prescribe insulin. However, if they do this, their patients may not take insulin regularly. Consequently, therapies that can avoid perceived side effects may be helpful. This allows medical professionals to ensure people keep up with their prescribed treatment and prevent the risk of serious health problems.
In this context, the researchers behind the present study used a novel technique that scientists first used on humans in 2016. Based on these preliminary results, this seemed promising. The technique is called Duodenal Mucosal Resurfacing (DMR). The duodenum is the first part of a person's small intestine. In DMR, the mucosal layer of the duodenum is raised to allow ablation of the exposed area with heated water. This is a process that removes the cells in the targeted area. The researchers who developed this DMR technique sought to reproduce the positive effects of bariatric surgery (gastric bypass surgery) on blood sugar levels using a less invasive technique. DMR can be performed on an outpatient basis and is minimally invasive. It is an endoscope with a catheter that doctors use to provide access to the duodenum.
Promising study results
The study included 16 participants with type 2 diabetes who were treated with insulin. Of the study participants who received type 2 diabetes therapy with DMR, 12 (75%) were able to discontinue insulin use. After 6 months, they were also able to maintain their blood sugar levels. The test subjects also saw a number of advantages for their metabolism. The participants' HbA1c levels, which determine a person's level of glucose, had all fallen to below 7.5%. After 12 months this fell further to 6.7%. Those who responded to treatment saw oneReducing their body mass indexfrom an average of 29.8 kg per square meter (kg/m2) before the start of the study to 25.5 kg 12 months after the study. The fat in the participants' livers decreased from 8.1% to 4.6% after 6 months.
Even for those participants who still needed insulin, the amount required fell from an average of 35 to 17 units per day after 12 months. Many patients with type 2 diabetes would be very happy to be able to stop insulin therapy because such treatment is associated with weight gain and hypoglycemic events. The intervention combined two innovative treatments. No details are available regarding side effects of the two treatments (DMR and GLP-1 agonist). Although this type 2 diabetes therapy is so promising, larger studies are needed tothe resultsto confirm. What is important is that it is not yet clear how and why the therapy appears to work. Scientists believe it may work because the mucosal cells affected by DMR therapy undergo changes in response to unhealthy diets that can promote insulin resistance.
