University of Glasgow is testing therapy that combines two existing medicines

It is hoped taking dapagliflozin and semaglutide will help control blood sugar

Trial is said to be ‘most advanced drug-based study to date in type 1 diabetes'

The lives of patients with type 1 diabetes could be transformed by a pioneering drug treatment.

The University of Glasgow is testing an exciting therapy that combines two existing medicines – dapagliflozin and semaglutide.

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Neither drug alone is able to consistently reduce high blood glucose, and people with the condition struggle to manage their blood sugar.

It is hoped that taken together they will help control blood sugar levels.

The University of Glasgow (pictured) is testing an exciting therapy that combines two existing medicines ¿ dapagliflozin and semaglutide

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The trial will begin in January and was described as ‘the single most advanced drug-based study to date in type 1 diabetes’.

Dr John Petrie, Professor of Diabetic Medicine at Glasgow, said: ‘The hope is to use the combination therapy of dapagliflozin and semaglutide to reduce HbA1c to less than 7% in the majority of people with type 1 diabetes; and since these drugs have benefits for the heart and can also induce weight loss, there may be additional advantages of this drug combination, which would be very positive for those with the condition.

The trial will begin in January and was described as ¿the single most advanced drug-based study to date in type 1 diabetes¿ (stock image)

‘In addition, both dapagliflozin and semaglutide are likely to reduce unpredictable fluctuations in blood glucose levels, thus providing a greater sense of security for people with type 1 diabetes, substantially improving quality of life.’

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Diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels rise to risky levels. Type 1 diabetes is an unpreventable autoimmune disease that usually develops in childhood.