Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 2, 2026

A Zebrafish Model of Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Memory
Published on: February 28, 2013
Reducing Type 1 Diabetes Mortality: Role for Adjunctive Therapies?
Jennifer R Snaith1, Deborah J Holmes-Walker2, Jerry R Greenfield3
1Diabetes and Metabolism, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Adjunctive diabetes medications show promise for type 1 diabetes (T1D) management. Sodium glucose cotransporter inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists significantly reduce HbA1c, with further research needed for cardiovascular benefits.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes (T1D) management often fails to meet glycemic targets, leading to increased cardiovascular risk and mortality.
- Adjunctive therapies beyond insulin are being explored to mitigate T1D complications.
- Recent advances in type 2 diabetes pharmacotherapy offer potential benefits for T1D treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging literature on adjunctive agents for T1D.
- To assess the efficacy of various drug classes in improving glycemic control in T1D.
- To highlight the need for cardiovascular outcome studies in T1D using these agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis of clinical trials and research studies involving T1D patients.
- Analysis of data on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reductions with different pharmacological classes.
- Discussion of challenges inherent in T1D clinical research.
Main Results:
- Sodium glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLTIs) and glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 agonists demonstrate significant HbA1c reductions in T1D.
- Metformin, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i), and pramlintide show modest improvements in glycemic control.
- Evidence for cardiovascular risk reduction in T1D with these agents is currently limited.
Conclusions:
- Adjunctive agents, particularly SGLTIs and GLP-1 agonists, offer substantial glycemic benefits for individuals with T1D.
- Further investigation into the cardiovascular effects of these therapies in T1D is crucial.
- Addressing research challenges is essential for advancing T1D treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...

