Low-Cost Drug Helps Type 1 Diabetes Patients Reduce Insulin Dosage – CityTimes.TW

This inexpensive drug may help reduce insulin needs in type 1 diabetes patients Researchers have found that a low-cost medication commonly used for other conditions may help people with type 1 diabetes lower their daily insulin requirements, according to a recent study published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. The study, conducted by a team of scientists in Taiwan, examined the effects of dapagliflozin — a drug typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes and heart failure — on a minor group of adults with type 1 diabetes. Over a 24-week period, participants who took dapagliflozin alongside their regular insulin therapy showed a measurable reduction in the amount of insulin they needed each day, without experiencing dangerous drops in blood sugar. Researchers noted that the drug appeared to improve glucose control by helping the kidneys remove excess sugar from the bloodstream, which in turn reduced the body’s demand for insulin. Participants also reported modest weight loss and lower blood pressure, both of which are common benefits associated with the medication in other patient groups. Importantly, no severe hypoglycemic events were recorded during the trial, suggesting the drug may be safely used as an add-on therapy under medical supervision. However, experts caution that dapagliflozin is not currently approved for type 1 diabetes in many countries, including the United States and should only be considered in consultation with a healthcare provider. The findings add to growing interest in repurposing existing medications to address unmet needs in diabetes care. For the millions of people living with type 1 diabetes worldwide, any safe strategy that reduces insulin dependence could improve quality of life and lower the long-term burden of managing the condition. While larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm these results, the research offers a promising avenue for future treatment approaches — particularly in settings where access to advanced diabetes technologies may be limited.