The dual-release human insulin analogue, NovoMix30 (biphasic insulin aspart [rDNA origin]), in combination with any one of several oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs), is more effective in the control of blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes than the use of oral agents alone, according to new findings presented here at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).

The new findings challenge a traditional approach in treating Type 2 diabetes, and support broad use of NovoMix30 in many people with diabetes who are taking an OHA but are not maintaining optimal control of blood glucose (glycaemic control).

"The present-day medical approach for people with diabetes who cannot be controlled using single drug therapy is to add a second drug," said Dr Itamar Raz, lead author of the study and a professor of medicine and head of the Diabetes Unit at Hadassah en-Kerem University Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel. "The question of which is the preferred drug to recommend remains unclear and controversial. These drugs have not been shown to prevent beta cell loss through evidence-based studies," he said.

He noted that several studies have demonstrated that earlier insulin treatment, initiated when beta cell reserve is still high, may partially prevent the progression of beta cell loss. "Our findings show that people with Type 2 diabetes can use insulin at early stages of diabetes with relative ease. This treatment may give them better glucose control and possibly prevent further beta cell loss," he said. He added that the findings need to be tested in large, long-term studies.

Related findings were presented in a second presentation showing that, in poorly controlled people with Type 2 diabetes taking the insulin senstiser metformin, adding NovoMix30 controlled blood glucose levels better than the sulfonylurea glibenclamide. Maintaining good glycaemic control is important in reducing the risk of long-term complications in Type 2 diabetes, such as eye and kidney disorders.