Effects of Semaglutide on Glycemic Control and Body Weight in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Primary Care Setting.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Retrospective single-arm observational pre-post study without a parallel control group
PubMed 40357116 · doi:10.7759/cureus.82123
What was done
A retrospective cohort study at a single primary healthcare clinic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, analyzed electronic health records of 238 adult patients with type 2 diabetes who initiated subcutaneous semaglutide (starting at 0.25 mg) and remained on therapy for at least six months. Pregnant, lactating, and pediatric patients were excluded. The primary outcomes were changes in HbA1c and body weight, along with the rate of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects.
What was found
Among patients who adhered to semaglutide, diet, and exercise, mean HbA1c decreased from 8.2 ± 1.54% to 6.9 ± 1.44% (p = 0.001) and mean body weight decreased from 97 kg to 89.2 kg (p < 0.001). Discontinuation due to adverse effects occurred in 25.2% of patients.
Why it matters
This study provides real-world primary care data demonstrating meaningful glycemic and weight improvements with semaglutide, while highlighting that roughly one in four patients may discontinue treatment due to tolerability issues.
Limits
Single-center retrospective design lacking a comparison control group. The reported efficacy outcomes were evaluated only in adherent patients who also engaged in lifestyle modification, introducing survivor and selection bias. Specific adverse event types, dosing titration steps, and background antihyperglycemic therapies were not detailed in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Standard starting doses of GLP-1 medications are 0.25 mg for semaglutide and 2.5 mg for tirzepatide.