The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Victoza (liraglutide) injection, a non-insulin drug for the treatment of pediatric patients aged 10 years or older with type 2 diabetes. This signifies a milestone since it’s the first-in-line drug approval for treating type 2 diabetes in pediatric patients since metformin got approval for pediatric use in 2000. Victoza, which had approval for adult patients with type 2 diabetes since 2010, has now been validated to enhance blood sugar control in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes.
Increased Rates of Type 2 Diabetes in Children
Typically, type 2 diabetes occurs in patients over 45 years, but in recent years there’s been a sharp rise in prevalence among younger patients. This surge in diagnosis among children necessitated an additional treatment option, leading to the endorsement of Victoza.
The Mechanism of Victoza
Victoza improves blood sugar levels by replicating the effects of the glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor protein in the pancreas, which often lacks in patients with type 2 diabetes. As with GLP-1, Victoza slows digestion, suppresses the liver from producing excessive glucose, and aids the pancreas in manufacturing more insulin when needed.
However, it is not a replacement for insulin and cannot treat patients with type 1 diabetes or those who suffer from diabetic ketoacidosis, a situation when the body breaks down fat too rapidly due to insufficient or absence of insulin. Additionally, patients or their family members diagnosed with Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC), a unique thyroid carcinoma that arises from the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland, must not use Victoza.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that interferes with the body’s ability to manage blood glucose or blood sugar.
| Type of Diabetes | Description |
|---|---|
| Type 1 Diabetes | Also known as juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes depend on artificial insulin for survival. |
| Type 2 Diabetes | This type affects the body’s response to insulin. Although insulin production exists, the body cells do not respond effectively to it as before. It is the most frequent type of diabetes and often associates with obesity. |
| Gestational Diabetes | Presents itself during pregnancy, gestational diabetes is when the body becomes insulin resistant. Not all women experience it, and it typically resolves post-birth. |
The Role of Victoza in Pediatric Diabetes Treatment
In summary, Victoza provides another option in managing the growing problem of pediatric type 2 diabetes. By mimicking the action of a key pancreatic protein, it aids in controlling blood glucose levels. However, users must bear in mind its suitability and contraindications for certain individuals. As research continues, hopefully, more treatment options will become available for younger patients grappling with this disease.
