Endocrine Abstracts

Background and aims: GLP1 agonists are used in UAE for diabetes and obesity management (prevalence of 19 and 74% respectively). Few outcome data on GLP1 agonist therapy in this population is available. We investigated the effects of two commonly used GLP1 agonists on weight and HbA1c among UAE patients with diabetes.

Materials and methods: Data was retrieved from a computerized database of patients attending a large diabetes center in UAE. Patients on exenatide 2 mg weekly (n=1223) or liraglutide 0.6–1.8 mg daily (n=2502) for 12 months were included in the study. Data on weight and HbA1c were collected at three different time points of treatment; baseline, 6 months (range 5–7) and 12 months (range 10–14). Two-sample t-test and analysis of response profile were performed (Stata 13, Stata Corp LP, TX, USA).

Results: Mean weight reductions over 6 months of treatment were 1.5 and 2.7 kg for weekly exenatide and daily liraglutide respectively (P<0.001). There was no further significant weight reduction with either drug at 12 months after treatment initiation. Mean HbA1c reductions after 6 months of treatment were 0.79 and 0.75 for weekly exenatide (P<0.001) and daily liraglutide (P<0.001) respectively (P=0.42). No significant change in HbA1c at 12 months with either drug was found. Analysis of response profile showed statistically significant difference in rate of change over time for both weight and HbA1c in the patients who received daily liraglutide compared to weekly exenatide (P<0.001).

Conclusions: In UAE diabetic patients, the studied GLP1 agonists resulted in modest weight reduction (more with liraglutide) and HbA1c after 6 months of treatment with no further change at 1 year post treatment. Further studies are warranted to investigate specific effects of GLP1 agonists among the study population.