A New Type 2 Diabetes Fighter

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new treatment for type 2 diabetes.

This new treatment option is a combination of two medications — insulin glargine and lixisenatide — and is found under the brand name Soliqua.

Sanofi's Soliqua is available as a prefilled pen and is to be injected once a day during the hour before the first meal of the day. This medication is to be injected under the skin of the thigh, upper arm or stomach.

The FDA approved Soliqua in combination with diet and exercise to control blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes not already controlled with lixisenatide or a specific amount of long-acting insulin.

Insulin glargine/lixisenatide is not meant for those with type 1 diabetes or those with diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition marked by large amounts of ketone in the blood or urine.

Common side effects include low blood sugar, nausea, headache, and a stuffy or runny nose.

This medication may cause serious side effects, including pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Before starting this medication, tell your health care provider if you have had pancreatitis, stones in your gallbladder or a history of alcoholism.

Sanofi expects this medication to be available at the start of 2017.