Efficacy and safety of fixed‐ratio combination insulin degludec/liraglutide in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract Background The efficacy and safety of fixed‐ratio combination insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were extensively investigated by the global DUAL trials. However, the evidence on its efficacy and safety in T2DM has not been systematically reviewed. Methods Randomized controlled trials published in English that compared IDegLira with placebo or GLP‐1 agonists or insulin in patients with T2DM were selected up to December 2022. Data on the study characteristics, efficacy and safety outcomes were extracted. We compared the efficacy and safety between “IDegLira versus Insulin,” “IDegLira versus GLP‐1RA,” and “IDegLira versus Placebo”. The risk of potential bias was assessed. Results In terms of glycaemic efficacy, IDegLira reduced levels of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; weighted mean differences (WMDs) 0.52%, 95% CI 0.33%–0.71%); fasting blood glucose (0.32 mg/dL, 0.14–0.50 mg/dL), and the nine‐point self‐measured plasma glucose (0.25 mmol/L, 0.25–0.36 mmol/L). Furthermore, IDegLira was generally better in the attainment of HbA1c < 7.0% or ≤6.5%, HbA1c < 7.0% or ≤6.5% without weight gain and/or without severe or blood glucose‐confirmed hypoglycaemic episodes. In non‐glycaemic efficacy aspects, IDegLira decreased systolic blood pressure but elevated heart rate. In terms of safety outcomes, IDegLira did not appear to be associated with a risk of hypoglycaemia (RR 1.23, 0.85–1.78) and nocturnal hypoglycaemia (0.89, 0.52–1.52) occurring when compared with other hypoglycaemic agents or placebo. Conclusions IDegLira improves better glycaemic and non‐glycaemic outcomes without weight gain and/or without severe or blood glucose‐confirmed hypoglycaemic episodes in T2DM. Side effects of IDegLira are mild.