Patients with type 2 diabetes treated with a weekly injection of the groundbreaking drug semaglutide saw an average weight loss of nearly 10 kg, according to a new study published today in The Lancet.
Led by Melanie Davies, professor of diabetes medicine at the University of Leicester and co-director of the Leicester Diabetes Center, the study showed that two-thirds of patients with type 2 diabetes were given weekly injections of a 2.4 mg dose Semaglutide treated were able to lose at least 5% of their body weight and achieved a significant improvement in blood sugar control.
More than a quarter of patients were able to lose more than 15% of their body weight – well above anything seen with any other medicine given to people with diabetes.
These results are exciting and represent a new era in weight management for people with type 2 diabetes. They mark a real paradigm shift in our ability to manage obesity. The results bring us closer to what we see in more invasive surgeries. It is also very encouraging that along with weight loss, we have seen real improvements in overall health, with significant improvements in physical function, blood pressure, and blood sugar control. “
Melanie Davies, Professor, Diabetes Medicine, University of Leicester, Co-Director, Leicester Diabetes Center
This global, multicenter study was conducted at 149 sites in 12 countries in North America, Europe, South America, the Middle East, South Africa and Asia, enrolling 1,210 patients with type 2 diabetes whose current treatment was not achieving adequate glycemic control. For example, through diet and exercise, or through the use of metformin and other glucose-lowering drugs that are used to fight the disease.
It is part of a portfolio of studies conducted as part of the semaglutide treatment effect for people with obesity (STEP). Professor Davies has been involved in all four completed STEP clinical trials of semaglutide for weight control that have been shown to help patients achieve an average weight of between 10 kg and 17 kg.
Being overweight or obese is a major contributor to type 2 diabetes. Many patients can manage their type 2 diabetes by eating healthy diets, exercising regularly, and using drugs to control or control blood sugar. However, this only applies to a significant minority of patients who, despite these methods, did not see any significant improvement. Semiglutide is a promising development.
The LDC has a world-renowned, multidisciplinary research team that leads the way and provides the evidence for the Leicester Diabetes Center’s educational programs and enhances the knowledge base for health and disease management.
