Effectiveness and safety of once-weekly semaglutide: findings from the SEMACOL-REAL retrospective multicentric observational study in Colombia

• Published in: Frontiers in endocrinology (Lausanne) 2024-06, Vol.15, p.1372992
• Main Authors: Buenaventura-Collazos, Daisy C, García-Ramos, Andrés F, Balcázar-Valencia, Carlos M, Aguilar-Londoño, Carolina, Coronel-Restrepo, Nicolás, Monsalve-Arango, Claudia Y, Cuesta-Castro, Diana P, Ramírez-Rincón, Alex
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adults; Aged; Blood Glucose - analysis; Blood Glucose - drug effects; Colombia; diabetes mellitus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - drug therapy; Drug Administration Schedule; Endocrinology; Female; glucagon-like peptides; Glucagon-Like Peptides - administration & dosage; Glucagon-Like Peptides - adverse effects; Glucagon-Like Peptides - therapeutic use; Glycated Hemoglobin - analysis; Humans; hypoglycemic agents; Hypoglycemic Agents - administration & dosage; Hypoglycemic Agents - adverse effects; Hypoglycemic Agents - therapeutic use; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1664-2392; 1664-2392
• DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1372992

Diabetes stands as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists rank among the most effective medications for lowering blood glucose and body weight, as well as reducing cardiovascular risk in individuals with diabetes. Observational studies complement experimental evidence in new settings, different populations, and real-world healthcare practices. A multicentric observational study of adults with type 2 diabetes treated with once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide in four health centers in Colombia was conducted. The protocol for the present study was not pre-registered. Data from 186 patients were included. Most patients were women (57%) with a mean age of 62.8 ± 12.1 years. One year of once-weekly semaglutide usage was associated with a mean reduction in HbA1C of -1.47% (95% CI -1.76, -1.17), weight loss of -4.23 kg (95% CI -5.34, -3.12), and albumin/creatinine ratio of -18.6 mg/g (95% CI -60.2, -5.9). Approximately half the treated patients achieved a level of HbA1c ≤7% by the end of follow-up. Adverse events were rare and consistent with clinical trial safety profiles. In Colombia, administering semaglutide subcutaneously once a week over a 1-year period led to an average weight loss of 4.2 kg and a decrease of 1.4% in HbA1c.