Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District is one of a few research sites across the world conducting the drug trial and early results have shown a remarkable improvement in the quality of life of participants.
Dr Kathryn Williams, Clinical Lead and Manager for Nepean Family Metabolic Health Service says the phase 3 clinical trial, which analyses the effectiveness of a once weekly injection ‘Tirzepatide’, is a game changer for the almost 1 million people living with the chronic condition of type 2 diabetes.
“The injection has shown significant health benefits when compared to more traditional treatment options such as insulin in many individuals,” says Dr Williams, who is also an endocrinologist at Nepean Hospital.
“Participants are losing weight in excess of 10 kilograms and maintaining their glucose levels to a point where they can come off certain medications.”
The weekly Tirzepatide injection mimics the action of two hormones released from the human gut that increase the normal insulin response to lower glucose after eating. The hormones act on the appetite centre in the brain, which reduces appetite and thus food intake.
“This new form of treatment is leading to exciting possibilities however we need more participants to complete the study to confirm our findings,” says Dr Williams.
If you are living with type 2 diabetes you can participate in the clinical study if you:
- are at least 40 years of age
- are overweight or obese
- have an established cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease or peripheral arterial disease)
If this is you please call (02) 4734 4533 or email NBMLHD-FamilyMetabolicHealthService@health.nsw.gov.au for further information and to discuss your eligibility.
All study-related care is provided at no cost to the participant.
