Heterogeneity in response to GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes in real-world clinical practice: insights...

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a cornerstone in type 2 diabetes management. In this study we evaluated heterogeneity in body weight and glycaemic responses to the initiation of liraglutide, semaglutide or dulaglutide in real-world clinical practice.

Data from 4467 adults with type 2 diabetes in the Diabetes Patient Follow-up (DPV) registry were analysed, focusing on changes in HbA_1c and body weight over 6 months following initiation of a GLP-1 RA. We categorised participants based on their response: HbA_1c reduction only, weight loss only, both or neither. This analysis was part of the IMI-Stratification of Obesity Phenotypes to Optimize Future Obesity Therapy (IMI-SOPHIA) project.

At 6 months' follow-up the median absolute HbA_1c reduction was 5.3 mmol/mol (IQR 13.9, -1.0) (0.49% [1.27, -0.09]) and relative body weight reduction was 1.43% (4.26, 0). Only 14% of participants achieved meaningful reductions in both HbA_1c (absolute reduction ≥5.5 mmol/mol [0.5%]) and body weight (relative reduction ≥5%). Men and those with a higher baseline HbA_1c were more likely to show an HbA_1c only response (36% of participants; both p<0.001), while older individuals and those with a longer diabetes duration were more likely to experience a weight-only response (7% of participants; both p<0.001). Higher baseline body weight and lower eGFR (both p<0.05) correlated with greater weight reduction, whereas lower baseline HbA_1c and longer diabetes duration were linked to smaller HbA_1c reductions (both p<0.001).

There is significant heterogeneity in responses to GLP-1 RA therapy among individuals with type 2 diabetes in routine clinical practice. However, in our study a substantial proportion achieved a reduction in either body weight or HbA_1c. Future studies should explore why some individuals achieve either weight loss or HbA_1c reduction but not both.