Glycemic and Weight Outcomes with Semaglutide in Middle Eastern Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: To evaluate the effects of semaglutide on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight over six months in adult Emirati patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Material and methods: This prospective observational study included 73 adults with T2D attending a diabetes referral center in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Participants received weekly subcutaneous semaglutide injections and were followed for six months. Body weight and HbA1c were measured at baseline and six months. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and Pearson’s correlation, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 52.3 ± 12.3 years, and 62% were female. Individuals with obesity constituted 72.6% of the cohort. Dyslipidemia (94.5%) was the most common comorbidity, and metformin (76.7%) was the most frequently used medication. At six months, mean HbA1c decreased from 8.05 ± 1.88% to 6.98 ± 1.59% (absolute reduction: −1.07%; 95% CI: −1.35 to −0.78; p < 0.001), and mean body weight declined from 92.7 ± 21.6 kg to 88.2 ± 21.3 kg (absolute reduction: −4.5 kg; 95% CI: −5.4 to −3.7; p < 0.001). A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was observed between age and HbA1c reduction (r = 0.232; p = 0.049). Conclusions: Semaglutide treatment over six months was associated with significant improvements in glycemic control and reductions in body weight in Emirati patients with T2D, supporting its use in routine clinical practice.