Semaglutide advisable option for preservation of beta cell function in diabetes patients

Dr Berra et al. and the team from the Center for Outcomes Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Pescara, Italy, evaluated the real-world impact of once-weekly (OW) subcutaneous semaglutide on different end-points indicating metabolic control, cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, and beta-cell function in T2D.

The researchers did this study in five diabetes clinics in Italy. During 12 months, they evaluated HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), weight, BP, lipid profile, kidney function, and beta-cell function (HOMA-B).

The results of the study could be summarised as follows:

• The study included 594 patients with a mean age of 63.9 years, with 58.7% men.
• The duration of diabetes was 11.4 ± 8.0 years.
• After giving OW semaglutide for six months, HbA1c levels were reduced by 0.90%, FBG by 26 mg/dl, and body weight by 3.43 kg. There was improvement reported in Systolic blood pressure and cholesterol (total and LDL-).
• There were more benefits at 12 months.
• Renal safety was confirmed as Renal parameters like eGFR and ACR remained unchanged after 12 months of treatment.
• There was an increase in HOMA-B after six months from 40.2% to 57.8%.

The researchers discussed that semaglutide benefits metabolic control, multiple cardiovascular risk factors, and renal safety in the real world.

It modifies insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Our study confirms the effectiveness of OW semaglutide in a high CV-risk real-world cohort of patients with uncontrolled T2DM. The findings align with existing knowledge in the context of improvement in Fasting Blood Glucose, Body Mass Index, total and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Further reading:

Berra, Cesare C., et al. “Real World Effectiveness of Subcutaneous Semaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective, Cohort Study (Sema-MiDiab01).” Frontiers in Endocrinology, vol. 13, Frontiers Media SA, Jan. 2023. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1099451.