Diabetes, obesity & metabolismJun 11, 2025

Which type 2 diabetes patients may benefit most from combined basal insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment?

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Jan 20, 2026

Abstract

(FRCs) of basal insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonists may improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

FRCs combine basal insulin and a GLP-1 receptor agonist in a single injection to reduce treatment burden.
The target glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) for most patients using FRCs is <7%, adjustable based on individual factors.
An HbA1c goal of <6.5% may not be suitable for patients requiring basal insulin included in FRCs.
Ideal candidates for FRCs include patients on oral medications with HbA1c <10% and those unable to manage multiple daily injections.

Simplified

Basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are available in two (FRCs) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), insulin degludec with liraglutide and insulin glargine with lixisenatide. FRCs offer a convenient strategy to administer basal insulin and a GLP-1 RA, taking advantage of complementary mechanisms in a single injection to minimize treatment burden and improve glycemic control while mitigating weight gain. For most, a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) goal for patients with T2D using a FRC would be <7%, though it can be adjusted based on patient-specific factors. An HbA1c goal of <6.5% is less likely to be appropriate for patients requiring basal insulin, which is included in the FRCs. Ideal candidates for FRCs are those (1) taking oral antihyperglycemic medications only with an HbA1c <10% and <2% away from goal, (2) those on basal insulin and above HbA1c goal, (3) those unwilling or unable to initiate or manage multiple daily injections (i.e., basal-bolus insulin therapy) and (4) those tolerating a GLP-1 RA who require basal insulin to achieve glycemic goals.

Key numbers

−1.6% to −2.9%

HbA1c Reduction from

Reduction in HbA1c after initiating FRC therapy.

−1.1% to −1.9%

HbA1c Reduction in Transitioning Patients

Reduction in HbA1c for patients switching to from basal insulin.

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Funding

Competing interests

Dr. Carris and Dr. Cowart have received research funding [institution receives and manages funds] from Sanofi Winthrop Industrie. Dr. Cowart has received research funding from Abbott [institution receives and manages funds].

PubMed

Which type 2 diabetes patients may benefit most from combined basal insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment?

Abstract

Key numbers

Full Text

Funding

Competing interests

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Abstract

Key numbers

Full Text

Funding

Competing interests

Related papers

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

What Lands in Your Inbox Each Week:

Recent issues from the glp-1 therapies brief