A new study presented at the 59th Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) reveals that semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, provides sustained improvements in blood sugar control and weight loss over three years in patients with type 2 diabetes. The real-world study, involving over 23,000 patients, underscores the drug's potential as a long-term treatment option for managing both diabetes and obesity.
Sustained Glycemic Control and Weight Loss
The study, which monitored patients for up to three years, found that individuals treated with semaglutide experienced significant reductions in HbA1c levels and body weight. After six months of treatment, patients, on average, reduced their HbA1c from 7.6% to 6.8% and lost an average of 4.7 kilograms (10.4 pounds). These improvements were maintained throughout the three-year study period, demonstrating the long-term efficacy of semaglutide.
Semaglutide's Mechanism of Action
Semaglutide, marketed under brand names such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which is released by the gut after eating. GLP-1 stimulates insulin release, facilitating the movement of blood sugar into cells for energy utilization. Additionally, semaglutide delays gastric emptying and promotes satiety, contributing to weight loss. Rutuja Patel, DO, a medical weight loss specialist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, noted that semaglutide's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and induce satiety contributes to its effectiveness in weight loss.
Clinical Implications and Expert Perspectives
Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, a physician and content advisor for welzo.com, emphasized the "significant implications" of these findings for type 2 diabetes treatment. "Ozempic has shown effectiveness in improving glycemic control, reducing HbA1c levels, and promoting weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes," he stated. He added that the sustained improvements in blood sugar levels and body weight are promising for individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Importance of Comprehensive Management
While semaglutide offers substantial benefits, experts caution against viewing it as a standalone solution. Dr. Elizabeth Sharp, founder and CEO of Health Meets Wellness, stressed the importance of lifestyle modifications, stating, "There is no silver bullet for obesity or weight management. You still need to make the more difficult behavior modifications if you want to lose weight and keep it off." She highlighted the exponential benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise on cholesterol levels, vitamin levels, energy levels, immune response, blood pressure, and inflammation.
Considerations for Semaglutide Use
Semaglutide is not a one-time treatment and requires long-term use to manage the condition effectively. Individual results may vary, and potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Afzal noted that semaglutide can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle to achieve adequate glycemic control with other treatments or lifestyle modifications, but it should be prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure individual needs, risks, and benefits are carefully considered.
Wegovy for Weight Loss
Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with related health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. The STEP trial, a randomized, double-blind study, demonstrated that 83% of participants taking Wegovy lost at least 5% of their weight, compared to 31% in the placebo group. Jordan Hill, a registered dietitian, noted that Wegovy and Ozempic share the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but are used for different purposes and have different dosages.
