- βPeople with type 2 diabetes who switched from premixed insulin to the degludec-liraglutide combination saw better blood sugar control, lower HbA1c, and used about 21 fewer insulin units per day.
| Journal | Frontiers in endocrinology |
| Year | 2025 |
| Authors | Kravos Tramšek, Koceva, Krajnc |
| PMID | 41268167 |
| DOI | 10.3389/fendo.2025.1715800 |
What This Study Found
A 24-week study followed 37 adults with type 2 diabetes who switched from premixed insulin to a combination medication called iDegLira β which combines a long-acting insulin (degludec) with a GLP-1 receptor agonist (liraglutide). After six months, participants had meaningfully better blood sugar control. Their HbA1c dropped, their time in range improved, and they needed about 21 fewer units of insulin per day on average.
Why Does This Matter?
Many people with type 2 diabetes use premixed insulin β a pre-blended combination of fast- and slow-acting insulin taken at mealtimes. While premixed insulin is widely used, it can be tricky to manage. Doses are less flexible, and it can be harder to fine-tune blood sugar levels throughout the day.
This study suggests that switching to a basal insulin plus GLP-1 combination may offer a simpler, more effective approach for some people β especially those whose blood sugar isn't well controlled on premixed insulin.
What the Numbers Show
Here's what changed after six months on iDegLira:
- HbA1c improved from 7.39% to 7.10% β a statistically significant drop
- Time in Range (TIR) increased from 64.3% to 71.2% β meaning participants spent more time with healthy blood sugar levels
- Fasting blood glucose fell from 8.25 to 6.92 mmol/L
- Daily insulin dose dropped by about 21 units per day β nearly half of what participants were taking before
- Body weight decreased modestly
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) did not increase, and showed a numerical reduction, though this did not reach statistical significance
Who Was in the Study?
Participants were adults averaging 70 years old, with an average BMI of 31 and over 15 years of living with type 2 diabetes. All were already on premixed insulin before the switch. Researchers used continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to track blood sugar changes throughout the study, giving a detailed picture of daily glucose patterns.
Important Limitations to Know
This was a small, single-arm study β meaning there was no comparison group staying on premixed insulin. With only 37 participants and no control group, the findings are promising but not definitive. Larger randomized trials would help confirm these results across a broader population.
What This Means for You
If you're currently on premixed insulin and your blood sugar control isn't where you'd like it to be, this research adds to growing evidence that a basal insulin plus GLP-1 combination could be a worth discussing with your doctor. The combination appeared to simplify the treatment routine while improving key blood sugar measures β without raising the risk of dangerous lows.
Tracking your blood sugar regularly β whether through a CGM or traditional glucose monitoring β is key to understanding how any medication change is working for you. At mdsdiabetes.com, you'll find a range of blood glucose monitoring supplies that can help you and your healthcare team stay on top of your numbers.
Key Takeaway: People with type 2 diabetes who switched from premixed insulin to the degludec-liraglutide combination saw better blood sugar control, lower HbA1c, and used about 21 fewer insulin units per day.
Citation: Kravos TramΕ‘ek, Koceva, Krajnc (2025). Switch from premixed insulin analogue to degludec-liraglutide combination: a CGM study. Frontiers in Endocrinology. PMID: 41268167. DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2025.1715800