The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has expanded access to newer diabetes medicines called SGLT-2 inhibitors, which are a group of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and other health issues.
Diabetes affects about 5.8 million people in the UK. As there is a large number of the population living with diabetes, and numbers are on the rise, there is a growing need for patients to be given safe and effective care and to also be offered various treatment options.
It is estimated that 22,000 lives could be saved once uptake of the recommended changes for SGLT-2 inhibitors occurs. Some examples of these drugs include medications such as canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin and ertugliflozin. For patients who cannot tolerate metformin, NICE recommends starting with an SGLT-2 inhibitor on its own.
In a recent news update, NICE recognised the opportunity to offer SGLT-2 inhibitors earlier in the treatment process. There is also a need to ensure that the medicine is offered to a more diverse range of patients, and that providing more personalised and accessible treatment remains a priority.
These medications are particularly under-prescribed to women, older people and Black or Black British individuals, according to a study by NICE.
NICE recognises that there are prescribing gaps and that, if there are patients who could benefit from this treatment, it should be made available to them. NICE recommends that patients speak to their healthcare professionals about treatment options.
Furthermore, NICE has released a draft guideline that aligns with the 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS which highlights the need for a ‘shift from treatment to prevention’. In the case of diabetes, the aim is to not just offer treatment but also help prevent future issues caused by the disease.
The Type 2 diabetes in adults: management draft guideline is available for public consultation until 2 October.
