Combo of exercise and liraglutide helps improve glucose tolerance and beta cell function after weight loss

The present research investigated glucose tolerance, glucagon response, and beta cell function during a 1-year maintenance period with either exercise, the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide, or the combination after diet-induced weight loss.

The study summary is as follows:

• Obese adults had a BMI of 32-43 kg/m2 without diabetes. They underwent an 8-week low-calorie diet (800 kcal/d).
• These adults (195 participants) were then randomized to 52 weeks of aerobic exercise, liraglutide 3.0 mg/d, exercise and liraglutide combined, or placebo.
• Researchers measured change in glucose and glucagon response to a 3-hour mixed meal test and disposition index measuring of beta cell function.
• Following a year of treatment, there was a decrease in postprandial glucose response by -9% in the combination group.
• The combination group had improved beta cell function by 49%, and there was a decrease in glucagon response by -18% than placebo.
• Liraglutide alone improved postprandial glucose response by -7% (not beta cell function/glucagon) than placebo.
• Exercise alone had similarities in postprandial glucose response, the function of the beta cells, and glucagon response as a placebo.

They said, “Our study found that a combo of exercise and liraglutide was associated with improved glucose tolerance, beta cell function, and glucagon responses after weight loss.”

Our study had some limitations, including Secondary outcomes of a clinical trial, No adjustment for multiple comparisons and Duration too short for long-term T2D prevention, they said.

Further reading:

Jensen SBK, Juhl CR, Janus C, Lundgren JR, Martinussen C, Wiingaard C, Knudsen C, Frikke-Schmidt R, Stallknecht BM, Holst JJ, Madsbad S, Torekov SS. Weight loss maintenance with exercise and liraglutide improves glucose tolerance, glucagon response, and beta cell function. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2023 Apr;31(4):977-989. doi: 10.1002/oby.23715.