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.