Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG28/01

Question

The effects of stopping and/or switching drug treatments to control blood glucose levels: In adults with type 2 diabetes, what are the effects of stopping and/or switching drug treatments to control blood glucose levels, and what criteria should inform the decision?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important?

There is a lack of evidence on the effects of stopping and/or switching drug treatments to control blood glucose levels. The current practice of 'stopping rules' is typically motivated by either inadequate blood glucose control (rising HbA1c levels) or intolerable side effects. There is limited understanding of the short- and long‑term effects of stopping a therapy and switching to another in terms of diabetes control (HbA1c levels), hypoglycaemic risk, weight gain, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition, there is limited understanding of how quickly consideration should be given to stopping and switching to another drug treatment and, if stopping and switching may be needed, what the optimal sequencing is of drug treatments. Randomised controlled trials examining these different issues would help to improve diabetes care.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Type 2 diabetes in adults: management

Number

NG28

Date issued

December 2015

Other details