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INTRODUCTION: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are highly effective for glycaemic control and weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this retrospective, observational study, we analysed glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and weight following switching to semaglutide from any other GLP-1 RA, using US electronic health records and prescription data. METHODS: Adults (≥ 18 years old) with T2D required at least one prescription for injectable semaglutide at index date (treatment switch), at least one prescription for any other GLP-1 RA in the previous 365 days, a baseline HbA1c and/or weight measurement in the 90 days pre-index and a follow-up measurement at 180 and 365 days post-index. HbA1c and weight cohorts were analysed separately using an ANCOVA model. Sensitivity analyses were conducted in patients with at least two prescriptions for pre-switch GLP-1 RA. A secondary analysis compared subgroups receiving different GLP-1 RAs pre-switch. RESULTS: Patients with HbA1c (n = 710) and weight (n = 921) data had similar baseline characteristics. Significant reductions in HbA1c at 6 months (0.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.8, - 0.6) were sustained at 12 months. Weight reductions were significant at 6 months (- 2.1 kg; 95% CI - 2.6, - 1.6) and greater at 12 months (- 2.8 kg; 95% CI - 3.9, - 1.8). These patterns were consistent with the two-prescription sensitivity analysis and independent of the pre-switch GLP-1 RA. CONCLUSION: Switching to injectable semaglutide from any other GLP-1 RA was associated with significant improvements in glycaemic control and weight. Our findings support decision-making in clinical practice in patients with an indication to switch between GLP-1 RAs.
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INTRODUCTION: Most patients with type 2 diabetes require sequential addition of glucose-lowering agents to maintain long-term glycemic control. In this retrospective, observational study, we compared intensification with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), and insulin in patients receiving two OADs, using US electronic health records and claims data. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: For inclusion, patients in the IBM MarketScan Explorys database were required to have claims for two different OADs in the 180-day baseline period and ≥1 claim for a different OAD/GLP-1 RA/insulin at index date (treatment intensification). Changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and weight from baseline were assessed at 180 days postindex. Patients were propensity score-matched by baseline characteristics and exact-matched by HbA1c category (HbA1c cohort and weight/composite outcomes cohort) and body mass index (BMI) category (weight/composite outcomes cohort only) to obtain balanced treatment arms. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients reaching target HbA1c <7% (53 mmol/mol). RESULTS: Significantly more patients intensifying with a GLP-1 RA achieved HbA1c <7% than those receiving OAD(s) (OR: 1.35; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.77; p=0.032) or insulin (OR: 1.77; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.47; p<0.001). GLP-1 RAs were also associated with a significantly greater chance of not gaining weight; significantly greater HbA1c and weight decreases from baseline; and a significantly greater chance of HbA1c <7%, no weight gain and discontinuation of ≥1 baseline OAD (composite outcome), compared with OAD(s) or insulin. CONCLUSIONS: In propensity score-matched cohorts, GLP-1 RAs demonstrated significant benefits for both glycemic control and weight management over additional OAD(s) or insulin, respectively, indicating that they may represent the optimal choice at these points in the treatment pathway.
