Original research from the Center for Outcomes Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Pescara, Italy published in ‘Frontiers in Endocrinology’ reported multiple beneficial effects of Semaglutide in type 2 diabetes. The retrospective, observational study evaluated 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. 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 assessed.

      The cohort size was 594, with mean age 63.9 ± 9.5 years, 58.7% men, and with diabetes duration of 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. Significant improvements were observed for systolic blood pressure, total and LDL-cholesterol. Benefits were continued for 12 months. Renal safety was confirmed with the parameters such as eGFR and ACR remaining without change after 12 months of treatment. HOMA-B increased from 40.2% to 57.8% after 6 months (p< 0.0001).

      The research team led by Dr. Berra opined that semaglutide seems to be an advisable option for the 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.