A new study finds that the drug semaglutide can help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight and keep it off long-term.
Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection drug that has been approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes. The drug works by stimulating the release of insulin in response to food, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, semaglutide also suppresses appetite by acting on the satiety center of the brain.
The study, led by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, recruited 1,961 people with type 2 diabetes and a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Participants were randomly assigned to receive weekly injections of semaglutide or placebo. All participants also received lifestyle counseling and were encouraged to follow a low-calorie diet and increase physical activity.
After 68 weeks, researchers found that patients treated with semaglutide had lost an average of 14.9 percent of their body weight, compared with 2.4 percent in the placebo group. In addition, more than 80 percent of patients treated with semaglutide lost at least 5 percent of their body weight, compared with 34 percent of placebo-treated patients. Weight loss achieved with semaglutide was maintained for up to 2 years.
The study also found that patients treated with semaglutide experienced significant improvements in blood sugar control, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The results of this study suggest that semaglutide may be an effective treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes who are struggling to lose weight. The drug's once-weekly dosing schedule also makes it a convenient option for patients who may have difficulty adhering to a daily dosing regimen.
The weight loss benefits of semaglutide may also have broader implications for the treatment of obesity, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Obesity affects more than one-third of adults in the United States, and effective treatments are needed to address this growing public health problem.
Overall, the results of the study suggest that semaglutide may be a valuable addition to the treatment options available to patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, as with any drug, it is important that patients discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider and carefully follow prescribed dosing and monitoring instructions.
Post time: Jun-03-2019