Real world effectiveness of subcutaneous semaglutide in type 2 diabetes: A retrospective, cohort study (Sema-MiDiab01)

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Jan 18:13:1099451. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1099451. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Introduction: Aim of the present study was to evaluate the real-world impact of once-weekly (OW) subcutaneous semaglutide on different end-points indicative of metabolic control, cardiovascular risk factors, and beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study conducted in 5 diabetes clinics in Italy. Changes in HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, renal function, and beta-cell function (HOMA-B) during 12 months were evaluated.

Results: Overall, 594 patients (97% GLP-1RA naïve) were identified (mean age 63.9 ± 9.5 years, 58.7% men, diabetes duration 11.4 ± 8.0 years). After 6 months of treatment with OW semaglutide, HbA1c levels were reduced by 0.90%, FBG by 26 mg/dl, and body weight by 3.43 kg. Systolic blood pressure, total and LDL-cholesterol significantly improved. Benefits were sustained at 12 months. Renal safety was documented. HOMA-B increased from 40.2% to 57.8% after 6 months (p<0.0001).

Discussion: The study highlighted benefits of semaglutide on metabolic control, multiple CV risk factors, and renal safety in the real-world. Semaglutide seems to be an advisable option for preservation of β-cell function and early evidence suggests it might have a role in modifying insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), the pathogenetic basis of prediabetes and T2D.

Keywords: HbA1c; beta-cell function; cardiovascular risk factors; effectiveness; insulin resistance; semaglutide; type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Body Weight
  • Cohort Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • semaglutide
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Glycated Hemoglobin

Grants and funding

Novo Nordisk S.p.A. provided an unconditional grant to CORESEARCH (Maria Chiara Rossi, Giusi Graziano) for the support in the analysis and paper writing. The authors of the publication are fully responsible for the contents and conclusions. Novo Nordisk S.p.A. did not influence and has not been involved in the data interpretation presented in the manuscript.