Safety and Efficacy of Semaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Real-World Study

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered a prevalent condition in India, with 8% of the population affected and an additional 25 million classified as prediabetic. Recent advancements in treatment strategies for T2DM include using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide. This study aims to evaluate the effects of semaglutide on glycemic control, weight management, lipid profiles, renal function, and liver enzymes in these patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 100 T2DM patients treated with semaglutide for 9 months. Patients were initially administered 3 mg of semaglutide, and later dose was titrated to either 7 mg or 14 mg in subsequent visits. Baseline and follow-up data on glycemic control, weight, lipid profiles, renal function, and liver enzymes were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel and SPSS, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Semaglutide treatment significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels ( P < 0.001). A significant decrease in weight and body mass index was noted over the study period ( P < 0.0001). Improvements were observed in liver enzyme levels, with significant decreases in serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase ( P < 0.0001), lipid profile including reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), and low-density lipoprotein, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein ( P < 0.017). Liver FibroScan markers like controlled attenuation parameter and E (kPa) were also reduced significantly (P < 0.0001). Renal function markers also improved significantly ( P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Semaglutide significantly improved glycemic control, reduced body weight, and lipid and renal profiles in T2DM patients. These findings support the use of semaglutide as an effective treatment option for managing T2DM, demonstrating its beneficial impact on multiple aspects of metabolic health.