New Type 2 Diabetes Study Findings Reported from University of Houston (Adherence in initiators of combination therapy among drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes: A real-world study using group-based trajectory modelKey Points): Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases and Conditions – Type 2 Diabetes

2026 SEP 22 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at NewsRx Diabetes Daily -- New study results on type 2 diabetes have been published. According to news originating from the University of Houston by NewsRx correspondents, research stated, “Recent clinical trial data suggested that early use of combination therapy among patients with diabetes has a more durable effect on glycemic control. However, the complexity of multidrug regimens associated with early use of combination therapy makes adherence more challenging, and combination therapy adherence is often inadequately captured.”

The news journalists obtained a quote from the research from University of Houston: “This study aimed to assess the adherence trajectories of initial combination therapy users during the first year of antidiabetic treatment initiation. A retrospective study using Merative MarketScan research databases (2017-2019). Drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who received initial combination therapy and were continuously enrolled in commercial or Medicare insurance plans were identified. Patients who received 2 distinct antidiabetic medications within 30 days or on the same date were identified as initial combination therapy users. Adherence was measured within 1 year after the index date using the proportion of days covered. Group-based trajectory model (GBTM) was used to identify distinct longitudinal adherence patterns of combination therapy users. A multinomial regression model was performed to examine predictors associated with nonadherence trajectories. A total of 116,597 drug-naive patients with T2D were identified, of whom 14,118 (12.1%) initiated combination therapy. GBTM with 4 distinct trajectories of adherence was selected: adherent (30.5%), gradual decline (21.6%), gaps in adherence (21.2%), and rapid decline (26.7%). Overall, 71% of patients followed a nonadherent trajectory. The multinomial logistic regression model assessed that patients with health maintenance organization versus comprehensive plans were more likely to experience rapid decline, gradual decline, and gaps in adherence. Patients aged 55-64 versus 18-34 years were less likely to experience rapid decline in adherence, gradual decline in adherence, and gaps in adherence.”

According to the news reporters, the research concluded: “Approximately 70% of patients with T2D who initiated combination therapy followed nonadherent trajectories during the first year of treatment. For initial combination therapy users, targeted interventions are needed to enhance suboptimal adherence.”

For more information on this research see: Adherence in initiators of combination therapy among drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes: A real-world study using group-based trajectory modelKey Points. JAPhA Pharmacotherapy, 2026,3(1):100024. The publisher for JAPhA Pharmacotherapy is Elsevier.

A free version of this journal article is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japhar.2025.100024.

Our news editors report that additional information may be obtained by contacting Susan Abughosh, Correspondence: Susan Abughosh, PhD, Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Houston, College of Pharmacy, 4849 Calhoun Rd., Houston, TX 77204-5047. Additional authors for this research include Bilqees Fatima, Sai S. Cheruvu, Samuel C. Ofili, Zahra Majd.

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