In a nutshell
This study examined the long-term effectiveness of liraglutide in type 2 diabetic patients.
Some background
Liraglutide (Victoza) is an oral drug used to reduce blood glucose (sugar) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Clinical trials have shown liraglutide to be effective in reducing blood glucose levels. However, clinical trials are well-controlled. It is not clear whether liraglutide is as effective when used in regular treatment.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of liraglutide over a two year period in T2D patients.
This study involved 3152 T2D patients who had just begun liraglutide treatment. The effectiveness of liraglutide was assessed over a two year period. The dose of liraglutide, safety of liraglutide, patient satisfaction and changes in anti-diabetic medication were noted. Control of blood glucose levels, changes in body weight and body mass index (BMI – measure of body fat based on weight and height) were also recorded.
29.5% of patients were still treated with liraglutide after two years. All of these patients had achieved the target (7.44%) HbA1c (average blood glucose level over 3 months). Body weight was reduced in all patients (average reduction by 4.1 kg). BMI was reduced by an average of 1.5 kg/m2. Patient satisfaction increased. After two years, 49.1% of participants were receiving 1.2 mg of liraglutide each day, while 45.5% were receiving 1.8 mg per day.
The main side effect reported was gastrointestinal upset. The percentage of patients suffering more than one hypoglycaemic episode (dangerously low blood glucose levels) decreased from 6.9% to 4.4%.
The bottom line
This study concluded that the effectiveness of liraglutide in clinical practice is similar to its effectiveness as reported in clinical trials.
The fine print
It is not known whether the side effects reported were due to liraglutide treatment or the combination of liraglutide with another anti-diabetic drug.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of liraglutide for the treatment of T2D.
Published By :
Advances in therapy
Date :
Sep 30, 2015
