A multi-center experience with semaglutide in patients with LADA

Introduction: Late autoimmune diabetes of the adult (LADA) is defined as a new diabetes diagnosis with detection of diabetes-associated islet autoantibody firstly occurring during adulthood. Semaglutide, a GLP1-RA, has demonstrated high efficacy in the management of T2D. Few data in literature are available regarding the use of this agent in patients affected by LADA. The purpose of this real-world study is to analyze the short-term efficacy of semaglutide in patients affected by LADA. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of 44 patients (M/F 56.8/43.2%, mean age 51.8±11.7 years) with LADA (mean years of disease 9.29±10.1 years) treated with semaglutide, 30/44 oral (mean dose 6.27 mg/die), 14/44 s.c. (mean dose 0.921 mg/week). Laboratory parameters and data from flash glucose monitoring were evaluated at baseline and after 2 to 8 months of follow-up. Results: The results showed a non-significant reduction of HbA1c values (baseline vs follow-up: 58.1±18.9 vs 54.6±12.5 mmol/mol, p=NS) and total daily dose of insulin (baseline vs follow-up: 44.1±32.7 vs 38.9±37 UI, p=NS). A significative reduction of 0.92 kg/m2 (p=0.01) of BMI was observed. Data from FGM showed an improvement in time in range (TIR) of 4.5% (baseline vs follow-up: 73±15.1 vs 77.5±14.2%, p=0.01), while no significative differences were seen in time above range (TAR), time below range (TBR), coefficient of variation (CV) and glucose management indicator (GMI). C-peptide values remained stable (baseline vs follow-up: 0.97±0.64 vs 1.09±0.56 ng/ml, p=NS). Conclusion: Despite further research is needed, we conclude that semaglutide has some beneficial effects over metabolic parameters in patients affected by LADA.