A high dose of the diabetes drug, liraglutide, was associated with a 6% weight loss of in obese patients with type2 diabetes.
The clinical trial of liraglutide in obese diabetic patients
Liraglutide is a drug prescribed for diabetes management; it stimulates insulin release by binding to the target of an endogenous metabolic hormone. It was developed by Novo Nordisk and marketed under the name Victoza for the lower dose (up to 1.8 milligrams a day). The FDA approved a higher dose of liraglutide (3 milligrams per day) for weight loss only; it is sold under the brand name Saxenda.
The trial tested both low and high doses of liraglutide
A weight loss of even 5-10% could significantly change the outlook for diabetes patients and lower the risks of comorbidities. The researchers were therefore interested in the possibility of how the weight-loss dose of liraglutide could help reduce weight along with blood sugar levels. The trial looked at the effects of both low- and high-dose liraglutide on obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Of the 846 patients enrolled in the study, 423 were randomly assigned to the high dose (3 mg) group, 211 to the low dose (1.8 mg) group, and 212 participants received placebos. Additionally, the participants were also put on a calorie reduction and exercise regimen.
High dose liraglutide causes weight loss in diabetes patients
At the end of the follow-up period, high dose liraglutide resulted in a 6% weight loss, whereas the low dose showed 4.7% and the placebo, a 2% weight loss. Weight loss of more than 5% was seen in 54.3% of the patients as opposed to 40.4% and 21.4% in the patients who received the low dose drug and the placebo respectively. A weight loss of more than 10% was seen in 25.2% of patients who received the high dose liraglutide. Patients who received low dose liraglutide and the placebo had weight loss of more than ten percent in 15.9% and 6.7% of the cases respectively.
High-dose liraglutide is a good choice for obese diabetic patients because it shows better weight loss and sugar reduction than the currently accepted dosage. These results could help push for approval of the higher dose for diabetes management, and hopefully result in insurance coverage of this expensive drug.
