ADA 2017: Insulins go Head-to-Head
Insulin degludec vs glargine--which costs less per anum and why? We summarize this study and 2 other direct insulin comparisons reported at ADA 2017.
American Diabetes Association 77th Scientific Sessions, June 9-13, 2017, San Diego, CA
Study 1.
Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) Experience Less Hypoglycemia when Switching to Insuilin Glargine 300 U/ml (GLA-300) vs. Other Basal Insulins (DELIVER 3 Study).
Study 1.
Switching to insulin glargine 300U/ml (Gla-300) from another basal insulin was associated with less hypoglycemic events in a population of older adults with T2DM.
Study 1. Conclusion:
In real-world clinical settings, switch to Gla-300 in older patients with T2DM was associated with lower hypoglycemia risk and similar glycemic control compared to other basal insulins.
Link to Abstract.
Study 2.
The Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Aspart 30 plus Metformin vs. Insulin Aspart 30 Alone in Treatment for Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study 2.
The combination of insulin aspart 30 with metformin provided as effective glycemic control as the insulin alone, with less weight gain and lower insulin dose.
Study 2. Conclusion:
The combination of insulin aspart 30 plus metformin does not increase hypoglycemia risk and provides glycemic control as effective as insulin alone for T2DM patients; the combination is associated with less weight gain and lower required insulin dose.
Link to Abstract.
Study 3.
Insulin Degludec vs. Insulin Glargine U-100 for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes in the U.S.: A Budget Impact Analysis Based on Evidence from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Trial (Switch 1)
Study 3.
A budget model was developed to compare hypothetical costs of insulin degludec vs insulin glargine as the basal component of a basal-bolus insulin regimen for patients with T1DM.
Study 3.
Despite higher acquisition cost, the total cost of insulin degludec could be similar to/slightly less than insulin glargine as the basal component of a bolus-basal regimen.
Study 3. Conclusion:
The lower annual cost of insulin degludec (~$24/year less than glargine) despite the higher acquisition cost appeared related to lower costs associated with hypoglycemia and slightly lower dose.
Link to Abstract.
Studies at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 77th Scientific Sessions included direct comparisons of a variety of insulin formulations and regimens. Click through the slides above for summaries of 3 studies that evaluate basal insulins in elderly patients; examine the differences between an insulin/oral agent vs insulin only regimen; and report on a cost-benefit analysis of insulin glargine vs insulin degludec -- one costs less because it causes less hypoglycemia.
