AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of oral semaglutide, either as an add-on or replacement therapy, in improving glycemic control, body weight, and cardiovascular parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
METHODS: This real-world study evaluated changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, and parameters of cardiovascular risk from baseline to a 12-month follow-up visit. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c between baseline and follow-up. Secondary endpoints included changes in body weight, the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c ≤ 7%, and combined reductions in HbA1c (≥ 1%) and body weight (≥ 5%). Exploratory endpoints were evaluated as well.
RESULTS: Data from 950 patients, predominantly female (63.7%) and with a mean age of 68.3 ± 10.1 years, were included in the study. Prior to starting semaglutide, most patients were on sulfonylureas, either as monotherapy or in combination with metformin or basal insulin. At baseline, mean HbA1c was 8.0 ± 1.3% (64.0 ± 14.2 mmol/mol), and body weight was 82.5 kg. Following 12 months of oral semaglutide treatment, HbA1c decreased significantly of -0.84% (p < 0.001) and 53% of patients achieved HbA1c ≤ 7%. HbA1c reductions were influenced by baseline levels and patient's age. Body weight decreased by 2.28 kg (p < 0.001) and 18.4% of patients achieved both ≥ 1% reduction in HbA1c and ≥ 5% in body weight. Diastolic blood pressure and LDL levels decreased significantly (p < 0.001), while systolic blood pressure and eGFR remained stable.
CONCLUSIONS: When used as an add-on or replacement therapy, oral semaglutide significantly improves glycemic control, body weight, renal and cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM patients.
