Does liraglutide play a role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes? A new industry-sponsored study examined 2,254 individuals who presented with prediabetes to evaluate liraglutide’s effect on the progression to type 2 diabetes. Subjects were randomized 2:1 to liraglutide 3 mg subcutaneous injection once daily or placebo. Both groups also received reduced calorie diets and counseling on exercise. A little more than 50% of the study group dropped out during the three-year test period. At week 160, 2% of the liraglutide group vs. 6% of the placebo group were diagnosed with diabetes. Liraglutide induced greater weight loss than placebo at week 160 (-6.1% [standard deviation, 7.3] vs. -1.9% [standard deviation, 6.3]; estimated treatment difference, -4.3%; 95% CI, -4.9 to -3.7; P < 0.0001). Adverse events occurred at about the same rate in both groups. The authors concluded “... with the limitation that withdrawn individuals were not followed up after discontinuation, liraglutide 3.0 mg might provide health benefits in terms of reduced risk of diabetes in individuals with obesity and prediabetes.” (Lancet. Published online Feb. 22, 2017. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30069-7)
Does liraglutide play a role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes?
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