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The INSIGHT study demonstrated that early addition of insulin
glargine therapy safely achieved better glycemic and metabolic outcomes than
adding oral agents.
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Hamilton, ON (June 14, 2005) ? Results of an all-Canadian
study announced June 13 at an international diabetes
congress demonstrate that patients with type 2 diabetes can
safely achieve target blood sugar (glycemic) levels faster
and more frequently when insulin glargine (a basal,
long-acting insulin) is added to therapy, versus using oral
agents alone. In addition to achieving better glycemic
control, patients using insulin glargine expressed increased
satisfaction with their treatment and experienced improved
quality of life.
The INSIGHT study (Implementing New Strategies with
Insulin Glargine for Hyperglycemia Therapy), presented at the 65th
American Diabetes Association Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions
by lead investigator, Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, a professor of medicine
and director of endocrinology and metabolism at McMaster University
in Hamilton, demonstrated that early addition of insulin glargine
therapy (in combination with oral agents or alone) safely achieved
better glycemic and metabolic outcomes than adding oral agents.
These results were achieved with no increased risk of hypoglycemia
(low blood sugar levels) compared to oral medications.
"Often, insulin therapy is considered as a last resort during
late-stage disease," said Dr. Gerstein. "What INSIGHT has shown is
that basal insulin therapy with insulin glargine can be safely and
effectively introduced early in the course of diabetes. These
results may help change the way that type 2 diabetes is managed in
the future."
All patients in the study had an A1C (target glycemic level)
between seven and 11 per cent. This is above the recommended target
of seven per cent or less, established by the Canadian Diabetes
Association in the 2003 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the
Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada. When insulin
glargine was added to their treatment, patients were able to achieve
lower and steady blood glucose levels more quickly and more often.
Diabetes in Canada
According to Health Canada, it is estimated that 2.25 million
Canadians have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the
seventh leading cause of death in Canada, and Canadian adults with
diabetes are twice as likely to die prematurely, compared to persons
without diabetes.
The Canadian Diabetes Association states that the aggressive
management of diabetes is critical in order to delay or altogether
prevent complications such as heart disease, stroke, permanent
vision loss, renal disease, damage to the limbs and erectile
dysfunction in men. Aggressive treatment is critical, especially for
patients with an A1C level of nine per cent or less.
Health Canada recognizes that the growth of diabetes is at
epidemic levels and estimates that at least 30 per cent of adults
with diabetes are unaware they have the condition. Health Canada
also states that healthcare costs for managing diabetes and its
complications amount to more than $9 billion annually.
About Insulin Glargine
Insulin glargine is approved for once-daily administration in
patients over the age of 17 with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who
require basal insulin to control abnormally high blood sugar levels.
Insulin glargine can be used with oral diabetes medications and/or
short-acting insulin to help control diabetes.
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About the INSIGHT Study
The INSIGHT study is an all-Canadian study comparing the percentage
of people who reached a target glycemic level (A1C) of 6.5 per cent
or less, in two consecutive readings, when insulin glargine was
added to their current therapy, versus those on adjusted oral
therapy alone. The study, involving 19 endocrinologists and 34
general practitioners, was conducted at 53 study sites including
British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward
Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. A total of 405 patients with
type 2 diabetes were enrolled to participate in this open-label,
randomized, two-arm parallel study that consisted of a two-week
screening phase and a 24-week treatment phase.
About McMaster University
McMaster University, named Canada's Research University of the Year
by Research InfoSource, has world-renowned faculty and
state-of-the-art research facilities. McMaster's culture of
innovation fosters a commitment to discovery and learning in
teaching, research and scholarship. Based in Hamilton, the
University has a student population of more than 23,000 and more
than 112,000 alumni in 128 countries.
B-roll will also be available at the following times and
coordinates:
Date: Monday, June 13, 2005
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET
Coordinates: ANIK F2
C-Band, Transponder 3B
Downlink Frequency : 3820 (V)
Audios: 6.2/6.8
CONF# 207121
For more information, please contact:
Veronica McGuire
McMaster University
Tel.: 905-525-9140 ext. 22169
Emma Jowett/ Rachael Crowell
Manning Selvage & Lee (MS&L)
Tel.: 416-847-1319/ 416-847-1310
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