A recent study published in the journal Diabetes Therapy reported the effectiveness of oral semaglutide in treating type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss. The findings highlight the potential for this drug to enhance patient outcomes, reduce the need for multiple medications, and simplify the treatment regimen for type 2 diabetes, ultimately leading to better overall health and quality of life for those affected by the condition.
The study included 187 patients who were treated with once-daily oral semaglutide over a period of 34-44 weeks. The average age of the participants was 58 years, and they had lived with diabetes for an average of 8.7 years. At the outset, the mean body weight was 103.1 kilograms, while the average waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) were 118.1 cm and 35.1 kg/m², respectively. Initially, participants used an average of 1.6 antidiabetic medications, which increased to 2.4 by the end of the study, excluding oral semaglutide. Notably, approximately 10% of participants did not use any glucose-lowering medications at the beginning of the study.
During the study, 98% of participants received a dose of 3 mg of oral semaglutide, while 2% were prescribed 7 mg, with a median treatment duration of 37.7 weeks. Participants who received oral semaglutide experienced a notable decrease in HbA1c levels, declining from 8.6% at the beginning of the study to 7.3% at its conclusion. Initially, about 8% of the study group had HbA1c levels <7%, but by the end of the study, this percentage had increased to 48%. Treatment with semaglutide also resulted in a significant average weight loss of 5.8 kg. Importantly, the effects on HbA1c and weight were consistent across patients treated by both diabetes specialists and non-specialists. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the treatment, with 26.1% finding it easy to consume and 55.4% finding it very easy.
By 2030, the global incidence of type 2 diabetes is projected to reach 7079 cases per 100,000 people, reflecting a persistent upward trend worldwide. In 2017, approximately 462 million individuals globally were living with type 2 diabetes, constituting about 6.28% of the world’s population. This prevalence varied across age groups: 4.4% among those aged 15–49 years, 15% among those aged 50–69 years, and 22% among those aged 70 years and older, equating to a rate of 6059 cases per 100,000 individuals. Diabetes contributes to over 1 million deaths annually, ranking it as the ninth leading cause of death globally.
Semaglutide, available in both subcutaneous and oral formulations (as the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist approved), functions as a standalone treatment for type 2 diabetes. Positioned as a second-line therapy, it improves glycemic control and is being investigated for its efficacy in managing obesity. Demonstrating safety in adults and elderly patients with renal or hepatic conditions, semaglutide does not require dosage adjustment. By activating GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide enhances incretin function, leading to increased insulin secretion in response to glucose levels, suppression of glucagon release, and reduced hepatic gluconeogenesis. As a result, it effectively lowers both fasting and postprandial glucose levels, demonstrating its comprehensive approach to diabetes management.
The recent Dutch study highlighted the effectiveness of oral semaglutide in managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss concurrently. This dual benefit underscores its potential as a promising therapeutic option for patients seeking integrated management of these conditions.
Reference
- Epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes – Global Burden of Disease and Forecasted Trends – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7310804/
- Semaglutide, a glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist with cardiovascular benefits for management of type 2 diabetes – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8736331/
- van Houtum W, Schrömbges P, Amadid H, van Bon AC, Braae UC, Hoogstraten C, et al. Real-World Use of Oral Semaglutide in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in the PIONEER REAL Netherlands Multicentre, Prospective, Observational Study. Diabetes Ther [Internet]. 2024 Jun 11 [cited 2024 Jun 19]; Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-024-01588-5.