In a nutshell
This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide (Ozempic) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). It was determined that semaglutide lowers HbA1c (measures average blood glucose over the last 3 months) without significantly increasing weight gain, hypoglycemia, or gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.
Some background
Reducing HbA1c (glycemic control) is important to prevent complications of T2D. This is usually the main goal of treatment. However, because T2D is a chronic condition, it usually requires treatment with medication over a long period of time. For this reason, preventing side effects, like weight gain or hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood glucose), is also important.
Semaglutide is a type of drug called a GLP1-RA. GLP1-RAs help to stimulate the release of insulin (the hormone that lowers blood glucose) and inhibit the release of glucagon (the hormone that raises blood glucose). They may also help with weight loss. However, GI side effects (such as nausea and diarrhea) are common with GLP1-RAs. The side effects associated with semaglutide are still under investigation.
Methods & findings
This study examined data from 5 different studies. 3,918 adults with T2D participated in these studies. They were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group 1 received 0.5mg injections of semaglutide once a week and group 2 received 1mg of semaglutide every week. Group 3 received a placebo (drug with no active effect). Group 4 received other drugs to treat diabetes, such as sitagliptin (Januvia), exenatide (Byetta), or insulin. They were followed for 30 or 56 weeks, depending on the study.
47-66% of the 0.5 mg group and 57-74% of the 1 mg group achieved an HbA1c lower than 7% without gaining weight or experiencing hypoglycemia. This was just 7-19% in the placebo group and 16-29% in the other treatment group. More patients achieved an HbA1c lower than 7% without moderate/severe GI effects with semaglutide than in other groups.
The bottom line
The study concluded that semaglutide can reduce HbA1c, without causing weight gain or hypoglycemia, or significantly increasing the risk of moderate or severe GI side effects.
The fine print
Differences between the different studies may have affected the results. For example, patients in different studies received different medications in addition to semaglutide. This study was funded by the manufacturers of semaglutide.
What’s next?
Discuss the safety and effectiveness of GLP1-RAs with your physician.
Published By :
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Date :
Jun 04, 2018
