In a nutshell
This study evaluated whether liraglutide (Victoza) improves diabetic control in patients with difficult to control type 2 diabetes (T2D) and if there were certain factors that influence the effects of liraglutide. It found that patients responded equally well to liraglutide regardless of body mass index (BMI; a measurement of weight in relation to height), diabetes duration, and other factors.
Some background
Liraglutide is a type of medication used for the treatment of T2D. It works by increasing natural insulin production in the body. A previous study showed that the addition of liraglutide to metformin (Glucophage) and a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) improved diabetic control in these patients. There are many treatments available for T2D and it is important to choose the right treatment for the right patient. It is not known if any factors relating to these patients predicted how well they would respond to liraglutide.
Methods & findings
303 patients participated in the original liraglutide study. Data from all these patients was analyzed. Specifically, this study looked at patients' HbA1c (blood glucose control over the previous 2-3 months) blood levels, BMI, diabetes duration, and insulin resistance before the study and after 26 weeks of treatment.
BMI, diabetes duration, and insulin resistance did not influence patients' response to liraglutide. Those patients with the lowest HbA1c at the start of the trial (ie the best diabetic control) showed smaller improvements than those with higher HbA1c levels.
The bottom line
This study showed that liraglutide is an effective add-on treatment for patients with poorly controlled T2D, regardless of their BMI, diabetes duration, or level of insulin resistance.
The fine print
This research was partially supported by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of liraglutide.
Published By :
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Date :
Jul 01, 2021
