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The once-a-day diabetes jab that fights obesity
By Daniel Martin
Last updated at 1:07 AM on 07th July 2009
Scientists have developed a revolutionary once-a-day injection that both controls the symptoms of diabetes and helps fight obesity.
European regulators gave the drug the go-ahead yesterday, and it is expected that the jab will soon be available free on the NHS.
Experts say that the injection, called Victoza, could help prevent thousands of type 2 diabetes sufferers having to take insulin - which can cause weight gain.
Victory for Victoza? A new diabetes jab could help fight obesity caused by insulin intake
Trials have also shown the jab can help people lose weight by intensifying the 'full' feeling they have, and by reducing the speed at which their stomach empties.
Another benefit is that it lowers blood pressure, which is a factor in heart disease. The jab needs to be used just once a day because it stimulates the release of insulin only when blood sugar levels become too high.
David Haslam, clinical director of the National Obesity Forum, said: 'The fact this is an injection should not put anyone off.
'As well as reducing blood sugar levels, it also reduces weight - which is extraordinarily good news.
'It will help in the fight against diabetes, and could also help sufferers to stay off insulin.
'It's an important new treatment and I am extremely optimistic about its role for type 2 diabetes. It could herald a new age in diabetes treatment.'
'I have no doubt that this will be widely used on the NHS because they will be forced to offer it.'
Type 2 diabetes is linked to poor exercise and diet. Many of the 2million Britons with type 2 are overweight or obese - and an estimated 500,000 more have the disease but do not know it.
Rates of obesity are forecast to soar over the coming decades and those affected are at higher risk of heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer.
Ministers warn that the 'obesity timebomb' could bankrupt the NHS. Even without the threat of obesity, diabetes is dangerous because it can lead to long-term illnesses such as blindness and kidney failure.
Victoza, also called liraglutide, can be taken any time of day.
Cathy Moulton, care advisor at Diabetes UK, said: 'Liraglutide widens the choice of treatments for people with Type 2 diabetes that not only offer improved blood glucose control but also aid weight loss.
'In addition, research has shown that this treatment has a positive effect on blood pressure levels.
'Diabetes UK welcomes safe and effective treatments that give people with diabetes choice in how to best manage their condition.
'Good diabetes management reduces the risk of developing serious complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation.'
Anthony Barnett, clinical director of diabetes and endocrinology at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust in Birmingham, said: 'With Victoza, patients with Type 2 diabetes can be confident they are controlling their blood sugar, and may benefit from weight loss.
'This is an important advance for patients with type 2 diabetes, many of whom are already overweight'
By Daniel Martin
Last updated at 1:07 AM on 07th July 2009
Scientists have developed a revolutionary once-a-day injection that both controls the symptoms of diabetes and helps fight obesity.
European regulators gave the drug the go-ahead yesterday, and it is expected that the jab will soon be available free on the NHS.
Experts say that the injection, called Victoza, could help prevent thousands of type 2 diabetes sufferers having to take insulin - which can cause weight gain.
Trials have also shown the jab can help people lose weight by intensifying the 'full' feeling they have, and by reducing the speed at which their stomach empties.
Another benefit is that it lowers blood pressure, which is a factor in heart disease. The jab needs to be used just once a day because it stimulates the release of insulin only when blood sugar levels become too high.
David Haslam, clinical director of the National Obesity Forum, said: 'The fact this is an injection should not put anyone off.
'As well as reducing blood sugar levels, it also reduces weight - which is extraordinarily good news.
'It will help in the fight against diabetes, and could also help sufferers to stay off insulin.
'It's an important new treatment and I am extremely optimistic about its role for type 2 diabetes. It could herald a new age in diabetes treatment.'
'I have no doubt that this will be widely used on the NHS because they will be forced to offer it.'
Type 2 diabetes is linked to poor exercise and diet. Many of the 2million Britons with type 2 are overweight or obese - and an estimated 500,000 more have the disease but do not know it.
Rates of obesity are forecast to soar over the coming decades and those affected are at higher risk of heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer.
Ministers warn that the 'obesity timebomb' could bankrupt the NHS. Even without the threat of obesity, diabetes is dangerous because it can lead to long-term illnesses such as blindness and kidney failure.
Victoza, also called liraglutide, can be taken any time of day.
Cathy Moulton, care advisor at Diabetes UK, said: 'Liraglutide widens the choice of treatments for people with Type 2 diabetes that not only offer improved blood glucose control but also aid weight loss.
'In addition, research has shown that this treatment has a positive effect on blood pressure levels.
'Diabetes UK welcomes safe and effective treatments that give people with diabetes choice in how to best manage their condition.
'Good diabetes management reduces the risk of developing serious complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation.'
Anthony Barnett, clinical director of diabetes and endocrinology at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust in Birmingham, said: 'With Victoza, patients with Type 2 diabetes can be confident they are controlling their blood sugar, and may benefit from weight loss.
'This is an important advance for patients with type 2 diabetes, many of whom are already overweight'
