In a nutshell
The authors aimed to determine the effect of liraglutide (Victoza) on liver fat content in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
The authors concluded that six months treatment with liraglutide significantly reduced liver fat content in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes by reducing body weight.
Some background
Uncontrolled (high) blood glucose levels over a long period of time can lead to various complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. These complications include an increased risk of heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage and blindness. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is another possible complication. High levels of liver fat can lead to liver damage and scarring, and can lead to liver failure if left untreated.
Liraglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist (GLP-1 agonist) used as a treatment in type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 agonists increase insulin secretion to improve overall blood glucose control and reduce body weight. The effect of liraglutide on fatty liver disease is not yet clear.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of liraglutide on fatty liver disease in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
68 patients were included in this study. Patients were advised to complete 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise at least 3 times per week in combination with liraglutide treatment.
At 6 months there was a significant decrease in HbA1c levels, body weight, body mass index (BMI; a measure of body fat that takes weight and height into account), overall fat and blood fat levels. There was a significant increase in HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol that removes harmful cholesterol from the blood). A 31% reduction in liver fat was observed after 6 months. Liver fat reduction was significantly associated with loss of body weight.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that six months treatment with liraglutide significantly reduced liver fat content in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes by reducing body weight.
The fine print
This study was funded in part by NovoNordisk, the manufacturer of liraglutide.
Published By :
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism
Date :
Oct 12, 2016
