Bayer diabetes therapy gets IDF backing

Bayer HealthCare has reported that the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has published a statement recommending the use of Glucobay (arcabose) to protect against the contraction of type two diabetes when attempts to do so solely through lifestyle intervention have failed.

At the International Congress on Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome in Barcelona last month, this recommendation was presented as best practice for patients exhibiting signs of prediabetes.

The three-step strategy from the IDF for the prevention of type two diabetes begins by first identifying at-risk individuals through screening.

Secondly, this level of risk is measured with a blood glucose test followed by an oral glucose tolerance test, with lifestyle intervention then used to halt the onset of the condition, followed by pharmacotherapy if necessary.

Professor Paul Zimmet, director of the International Diabetes Institute, said: “Type two diabetes can be prevented, but it will take enormous political will on the part of governments to make this a reality.”

He added that changes to the lifestyles of patients with prediabetes can have a preventative effect, while noting the need for pharmacotherapy as an adjunct in some patients.

Last month, Bayer announced the initiation of a new trial assessing the efficacy of Glucobay as a preventative treatment for type two diabetes and recurrent cardiovascular disease (CVD) individuals.