Endocrine Abstracts

Background: In Clinical Trials, Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor analogs liraglutide and semaglutide have been shown to cause weight loss, reduced systolic blood pressure, effectiveglycemic control with low rates of hypoglycemia, in patients with type 2 diabetes. Through a retrospective clinical study, the authors aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the management of obesity in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Methods: Patients attending St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland who were prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists (June 2016–December 2018) were assessed both at baseline and first post-initiation visit were included in the analysis. The primary endpoints were weight loss and reduction in glycatedhemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline. Secondary endpoints were frequency of hypoglycemic events as well as systolic Blood Pressure.

Results: Data from 205 patients are reported (baseline HbA1c 77 mmol/l, mean age 62 years, diabetes duration 8.8 years, 66.8% male). Mean body weight change was −2.4 kg in Liraglutide group and −2.8 kg in Semaglutide group. Mean change in HbA1c from initiation to first visit was −0.7% in Liraglutide group and −0.9% in semaglutide group, while and change in SBP was −2.0 mmHg in both groups. Transient gastrointestinal side effects were experienced by 11.9% of patients, more commonly in the Liraglutide group. The number of patients experiencing minor hypoglycemic events was low (5.7%) and no major events were reported.

Conclusion: GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide and Semaglutideresulted in weight loss in Obese type 2 Diabetic patients. They also provided improved glycemic control accompanied by improved blood pressure control and low incidence of hypoglycemia. Patient satisfaction were higher and side effects less in the Semaglutide group compared to the Liraglutide group.