In patients with type 2 diabetes, once-weekly semaglutide significantly improved beta-cell function and glycaemic control compared to placebo, enhancing both insulin secretion and reducing fasting and postprandial glucose levels, though it was associated with mild gastrointestinal side effects.
PICO Summary
Population:
Adults with type 2 diabetes (n=75), aged 18–64 years, HbA1c 6.5–9.0%, managed by diet, exercise, and/or metformin monotherapy.
Intervention:
Once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide, escalating to 1.0 mg over 12 weeks.
Comparison:
Placebo (once-weekly).
Outcome:
- Efficacy: Semaglutide increased first-phase insulin secretion threefold and second-phase insulin secretion twofold, significantly reducing fasting and postprandial glucose levels.
- Safety and Tolerability: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea were mild and transient.
Clinical Summary
Main Finding:
Semaglutide significantly enhances beta-cell responsiveness and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes patients.
Clinical Relevance:
This study highlights semaglutide’s potential to restore beta-cell function and improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, marking it as a promising agent for sustaining insulin response.
Study Overview:
- Type of Study: Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Sample Size & Population: 75 adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Intervention Duration & Doses: 12-week semaglutide treatment (dose escalation to 1.0 mg weekly).
- Comparison: Placebo.
Outcomes:
- Primary Measure (Insulin Secretion): Semaglutide increased insulin secretion significantly during both first and second phases.
- Secondary Measure (Glycaemic Control): Significant reductions in fasting and postprandial glucose levels.
- Safety Profile: Primarily mild gastrointestinal side effects, well tolerated overall.
Considerations:
The short study duration limits long-term beta-cell function assessment. Further studies should explore sustained benefits and long-term safety.
Reference:
Kapitza, C., et al. (2017). Diabetologia, 60(7), 1390-1399. doi:10.1007/s00125-017-4289-0
Disclosure: This article on Hormone Insight was created with both human and AI assistance. The human expert editor reviewed the article before publication to ensure accuracy, quality, and clarity.
