Efficacy and Safety of Basal-Supported Prandial GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy

Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of basal-supported prandial GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy (BPT)* in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Patients with T2DM, who had previously received insulin injection therapy and who had had their treatment switched to BPT (liraglutide), were retrospectively recruited. The efficacy of BPT was assessed by determining changes in HbA1c, body weight and total daily insulin dose from baseline to 4 months after BPT initiation. Safety was assessed by comparing the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes at baseline and after 4 months. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyze changes in parameters throughout the study period. Results: Twenty-nine patients, previously treated with basal-supported oral therapy (BOT), basal-bolus insulin, or pre-mixed insulin, were recruited. When analyzed together, there was no change in HbA1c throughout the study period, but body weight decreased (baseline 68.8 ± 13.2 kg vs. month 4 67.3 ± 13.1 kg; p < 0.001). Total daily insulin dose decreased after 4 months (baseline 24.4 ± 15.5 U/day vs. month 4 14.7 ± 9.2 U/day; p < 0.001), and there was no change in the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes. Analysis was conducted within sub-groups based on previous treatment modality. In the BOT group, HbA1c decreased from baseline after 2 months and body weight did not change throughout the study period. In both the basal-bolus insulin group and the pre-mixed insulin group, HbA1c remained steady throughout and there was a decrease in body weight. No change in the frequency of hypoglycemia was observed in any of the sub-groups. Conclusion: BPT in T2DM was associated with weight loss without changes in glycemic control over 4 months, suggesting that it may be an effective and safe therapy.