Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Liraglutide is an anti-diabetic drug that has been shown to be effective for glycemic control and weight loss. However, factors such as unavailability, high cost, and side effects may make it challenging for patients to continue treatment. Our study aims to identify these barriers to treatment adherence and to understand the factors contributing to the discontinuation of Liraglutide therapy in Tunisian patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted at the endocrinology department of the Military Hospital of Tunis, including 23 patients with T2D who were naïve to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Our study involved a progressive dosing regimen for Liraglutide, starting at 0.6 mg/day for one week, before increasing to the final dose of 1.2 mg/day. We have followed our patients for 12 months.

Results: Our population included 8 men and 15 women with a mean age 54.5±9.5 years old. Mean duration of diabetes was 12.7±8.2 years. Obesity, dislipidemia, and hypertension were found in respectively twenty, sixteen and 15 patients. Eight patients had a history of coronary artery disease. Four patients reported epigastralgia after the introduction of Liraglutide, associated with diarrhoea in one patient which persisted despite the reduction of the Liraglutide dose to 0.6 mg/day. Liraglutide treatment was discontinued in nine patients. The cause of withdrawal was digestive intolerance in two patients, lack of glycemic control with lack of weight loss in three patients, unavailability of treatment in three patients and death in one patient.

Conclusion: It is important to check the availability and tolerance of Liraglutide in diabetic patients, as this can help to better manage their diabetes and ensure that they are taking the most appropriate treatment.