Key points from article :
A new online tool designed by researchers at the University of Exeter could revolutionize the treatment of type 2 diabetes by helping doctors prescribe the most effective medication for each patient. The study, led by Dr. John Dennis and published in The Lancet, highlights how this personalized approach could improve outcomes for millions of people managing the condition.
The tool works by allowing doctors to input routine clinical data, such as BMI, cholesterol levels, and HbA1c (a measure of average blood sugar levels), to generate tailored treatment recommendations. It is the first model to compare five major classes of diabetes drugs, including DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1R agonists, sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, and thiazolidinediones. Findings suggest that patients who followed the model’s recommendations had significantly better blood sugar control, with a 38% lower risk of poor glycaemic control over five years, and reduced risks of heart and kidney complications.
Despite the availability of multiple treatment options, fewer than one in five people in England are currently on the most effective medication for them. The tool’s performance is now being tested in over 22,500 patients in Scotland, and experts believe its widespread adoption could mark the most significant advance in type 2 diabetes care in over a decade. If successfully implemented, it could help millions of people worldwide manage their condition more effectively and reduce the risk of serious complications.
