Evaluating dulaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes

This study evaluated whether dulaglutide (Trulicity) improved body mass index (BMI) and blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study concluded that dulaglutide is an effective treatment option for these patients regardless of their BMI before starting treatment.

Weight management is an essential part of T2D management. Many patients with T2D are overweight or obese. This is associated with a higher risk of complications related to diabetes, such as heart disease. Previous studies have shown that weight loss can help improve blood glucose control. Some studies also suggest that weight loss may also help reduce risk factors for heart problems.

An increase in body fat has been associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes. BMI is often used as a criterion to measure body fat. BMI is a measure of body size; it is a ratio of a person’s weight and height. Dulaglutide is a T2D drug administered once weekly. It works by stimulating the body's natural release of insulin. Whether BMI is associated with treatment outcomes for patients with T2D who receive dulaglutide is not clear.

This study analyzed data from eight larger studies. 5770 patients with T2D were included. Patients were divided into three groups. 2108 patients received 1.5 mg of dulaglutide, and 1417 patients received 0.75 mg of dulaglutide. The third group of patients received other anti-diabetes medications, such as metformin (Glucophage). Patients were followed-up for an average of 6 months.

At the beginning of the study, 36% of patients had a BMI of less than 30 kg/m². 34% of patients had a BMI between 30 and 35 kg/m², and 30% had a BMI above 35 kg/m².

In the 1.5 mg group, HbA1c levels (average blood glucose over 3 months) decreased by an average of 0.69% – 1.75%. Patients with a BMI of less than 30 kg/m² had the smallest decrease (0.69%), while patients with a BMI of 30 to 35 kg/m² had the largest decrease (1.75%).

In the 0.75 mg group, HbA1c levels decreased by an average of 0.62% – 1.69%. Patients with a BMI of less than 30 kg/m² had the smallest decrease (0.62%), while patients with a BMI of 30 to 35 kg/m² had the largest decrease (1.69%).

In patients treated with other anti-diabetes medications, HbA1c levels decreased by an average of 0.41% – 1.54%.

This study concluded that dulaglutide is an effective treatment option for patients with T2D, regardless of BMI.

This study analyzed the results of eight larger studies. The patient populations in these studies were all different. Each study also compared dulaglutide to different anti-diabetes medications. More studies are needed to confirm these results.

Talk to your doctor to see if dulaglutide may be right for you.