The OMED2 (Optimization of Medication in Elderly with Diabetes) study was initiated to reduce excessive use of glucose-lowering medication (i.e. insulin and/or sulphonylureas) in older (≥ 70 years) type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients by means of a deprescribing programme (DPP). Excessive use of glucose-lowering medication can result in hypoglyceamia, whereas the benefits of a tight glucose regulation in patients with a very limited lifespan is questionable. For this reason, the Dutch College of General Practitioners state that higher glucose levels are recommended for older T2D patients compared to younger patients. Nevertheless, many patients in the Netherlands are still overtreated. In addition, there is a lack of randomized-controlled studies that convincingly show that a reduction in glucose-lowering medication, and hence higher glucose levels, can safely be pursued in older patients. The OMED2-study investigates if promoting deprescribing of glucose-lowering medication in general practice with a DPP affects T2D-related complications in older, overtreated patients with T2D.
What does the study involve?
Reducing medication until acceptable levels of Hba1c have been reached. The reduction of the medication and the selection of the threshold is defined in a shared decision making procedure between patient and health care professional. Patients who indicate willingness after a written invitation will be invited to fill in 6-monthly questionnaires during a follow up period of five years (five questionnaires) and might be invited for an interview.
Study status
This study has finalized participant recruitment and is anticipated to be finalized in July 2026.
Researchers
Dr. Charlotte Andriessen, Dr. Marieke Blom, Prof. Petra Elders
Contact
Charlotte Andriessen
c.andriessen@amsterdamumc.nl
For more information on this study, click here