Oral Semaglutide Lowers Cravings and Improves Metabolic Health in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Study
A new study published in the journal Diabetes & Vascular Disease Research has found that oral semaglutide reduces total energy intake and changes in the food preference in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diet control is one of the most important management strategies for diabetes, but it is hard for many patients to resist cravings for high-calorie foods. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 RA, and it has been reported to be involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels and weight loss. This study was conducted by Junya H. and colleagues.
The study entailed analysis of data involving 75 patients with type 2 diabetes who received oral semaglutide. The main outcome was the change in the BDHQ score after a three-month period of treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in the CoEQ, HbA1c, and body mass index, all within the same period.
Main Results
Participants: The study included 23 participants whose age was at median 64.0 years old, with mean BMI at baseline of 26.9 kg/m², and HbA1c at the onset of 7.6% (59 mmol/mol).
Total energy decreased: Total energy intake significantly dropped according to the BDHQ outcome.
Carbohydrates decreased more: The decreases in the consumptions of nutrients were greatest on carbohydrates.
Some food cravings also decreased: There were significant drops in cravings on CoEQ by sweet foods:
Chocolate and chocolate-flavored foods
Carbohydrates
The study also reported lower scores for:
Meal satisfaction
Frequency and intensity of food cravings
Difficulty resisting cravings
Frequency of eating in response to cravings
Improved metabolic outcomes: Both HbA1c and BMI significantly decreased after three months of treatment.
Researchers concluded that oral semaglutide improves blood glucose control and diminishes body weight while also modulating food preference in patients with type 2 diabetes. Since semaglutide would reduce total energy intake, carbohydrate intake, and food cravings, it can potentially lead the patient to follow healthier eating behaviors, thereby managing diabetes better as well as eventually leading to positive long-term outcomes.
Reference:
Hironaka J, Ushigome E, Kondo Y, et al. Changes in food preferences after oral semaglutide administration in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: KAMOGAWA-DM cohort. Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research. 2025;22(1). doi:10.1177/14791641251318309
