Recommendations for research
The guideline committee has made the following recommendations for research.
Key recommendations for research
1 Treatment strategy for people with type 2 diabetes and frailty
For people with type 2 diabetes and frailty, what is the clinical and cost effectiveness of different treatment strategies compared with usual care? [2026]
For a short explanation of why the committee made the 2026 recommendation for research, see the rationale section on initial medicines for people with type 2 diabetes and frailty.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in:
2 Access to SGLT-2 inhibitors
How can prescribing and access to SGLT-2 inhibitors be improved for people with type 2 diabetes from the most deprived groups?
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What factors influence healthcare professionals' decisions about prescribing SGLT-2 inhibitors to adults with and without early onset type 2 diabetes?
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What are the most effective and cost-effective methods to increase access and uptake of SGLT-2 inhibitors for people with and without early onset type 2 diabetes who are underserved in the current service? [2026]
For a short explanation of why the committee made the 2026 recommendation for research, see the rationale section on initial medicines.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in:
3 Treatments for people with early onset type 2 diabetes
What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists or tirzepatide with SGLT-2 inhibitors compared to SGLT-2 inhibitors alone and to placebo alone for people with early onset type 2 diabetes who are taking metformin? [2026]
For a short explanation of why the committee made the 2026 recommendation for research, see the rationale section on initial medicines for people with early onset type 2 diabetes.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in:
4 The effects of stopping or switching medicines to control blood glucose levels
In adults with type 2 diabetes, what are the effects of stopping and/or switching medicines to control blood glucose levels, and what criteria should inform the decision? [2015]
Why this is important
There is a lack of evidence on the effects of stopping and/or switching medicines to control blood glucose levels. The current practice of 'stopping rules' is typically motivated by either inadequate blood glucose control (rising HbA1c levels) or intolerable side effects. There is limited understanding of the short- and long‑term effects of stopping a therapy and switching to another in terms of diabetes control (HbA1c levels), hypoglycaemic risk, weight gain, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition, there is limited understanding of how quickly consideration should be given to stopping and switching to another medicine and, if stopping and switching may be needed, what the optimal sequencing is of medicines. Randomised controlled trials examining these different issues would help to improve diabetes care.
5 Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels
What is the optimal frequency for self‑monitoring of blood glucose in adults with type 2 diabetes? [2015]
Why this is important
There is limited evidence in relation to the long-term effects (at least 5 years) of blood glucose lowering therapies, particularly newer agents in terms of efficacy and adverse events (for example, cardiovascular outcomes). Randomised controlled trials and prospective longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the long-term efficacy and safety issues surrounding these medicines.
Other recommendations for research
6 Using routinely collected real-world data to assess the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring
Based on routinely collected real-world data, what is the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of CGM devices to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes? [2022]
For a short explanation of why the committee made the 2022 recommendation for research and how it might affect practice, see the rationale section on continuous glucose monitoring.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review C: continuous glucose monitoring in adults with type 2 diabetes.