Effect of Semaglutide on Weight, HbA1c Reduction, and Side Effect Profile in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Background:Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health challenge, with a rising prevalence in Pakistan and globally. Poor glycemic control and obesity are common among patients with T2DM, increasing the risk of complications. Semaglutide, a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist, has shown promise in reducing both HbA1c levels and body weight. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Semaglutide on glycemic control and weight loss, and to assess the frequency of its side effects in patients with T2DM. Methodology:A quasi-experimental study was conducted over six months at the Department of Medicine, Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar over six months i-e from 1th March 2025 to 31st August 2025. A total of 101 patients with T2DM, aged 25–60 years, with a BMI ≥27 kg/m² and HbA1c >7.5%, were included using non-probability consecutive sampling. Semaglutide was administered weekly for 12 weeks. Baseline and post-treatment weight and HbA1c were recorded. Side effects were also documented. Data were analyzed using SPSS v20; paired t-tests were applied with p ≤ 0.05 as statistically significant. Results:Mean HbA1c decreased from 9.1 ± 1.2% to 7.5 ± 1.1% (p < 0.001) and mean weight reduced from 88.5 ± 9.3 kg to 82.9 ± 8.7 kg (p < 0.001). Common side effects included nausea (27.7%), diarrhea (11.9%), and vomiting (8.9%); 40.6% reported no side effects. Conclusion:Semaglutide significantly improved glycemic control and promoted weight loss with an acceptable safety profile. It is an effective therapeutic option for managing T2DM in real-world clinical settings.