Is there any efficacy of canagliflozin in managing type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents? Research suggests a positive outcome.

A new clinical trial has revealed that canagliflozin, a drug already approved for adults with type 2 diabetes, may also be effective and safe for children and adolescents living with the condition. The research was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The study included 171 participants aged 10 years or older with type 2 diabetes. Participants were assigned to receive either canagliflozin or a placebo for 52 weeks.

By week 26, those treated with canagliflozin experienced a significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels compared with those on placebo, with an average drop of -0.76%. About 36% of participants in the treatment group achieved HbA1c levels below 6.5%, compared with only 14% in the placebo group.

The treatment-related side effects occurred in both groups (77.4% with canagliflozin vs. 74.7% with placebo); however, most of these were mild and manageable. Serious adverse events were slightly higher with canagliflozin (9.5% vs. 5.7%). Hypoglycemia rates were comparable between groups.