GLP-1 Agonists as Neoadjuvant Therapy for Surgical Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The evidence to date supporting the association between treatment with GLP-1 agonists and diabetes remission after metabolic surgery is based on retrospective studies. This study is a 2:1 randomized, blinded, parallel, prospective placebo-controlled trial with a standardized treatment approach in order to establish the role of GLP-1 in remission of diabetes after metabolic surgery. This study will enroll 126 patients, with the goal of 100 patients completing the clinical trial (33 in the Placebo/Control Group and 67 in the Test Group).

The preoperative program for Metabolic Surgery involves multidisciplinary health evaluation and care, as well as patient education lasting approximately 6 months. Patients that consent to the clinical trial, will receive study drug on top of the standard care that is provided for 4 months prior to bariatric surgery. During this time, glycemic control will be monitored carefully through points of contact with the study team and additional lab assessments for the clinical trial. After bariatric surgery, patients will continue in the study for 2 years and glycemic control will be managed according to the current standard of care for perioperative glucose control. During this time, patients will continue to meet with the study team and collect lab assessments

All study patients will be followed for two years after metabolic surgery. Efficacy and outcomes will be evaluated by comparative analysis of laboratory results (Labs 1-6) which monitor longitudinal glycemic control. Outcomes will then be compared between Test and Control groups. The major study outcomes will be diabetes remission as defined by the American Diabetes Association. Secondary outcomes will include measures of improvement in glycemic control and beta cell function (change in fasting glucose levels, HbA1C, and C- peptide). All study labs and chemistry analysis will be performed at the Geisinger Medical Laboratory which is accredited by the College of American Pathologists and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid - Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of Laboratories. Evaluation of the continued need for medications for diabetes treatment will be the responsibility of the study team. Longitudinal information relating to medication use will be derived from direct patient contact at study visits, and review of standard of care medicine reconciliations from the Electronic Health Record.