Real-World Sex Differences in Response to Treatment with Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: Analysis of...

Background and Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health burden with increasing prevalence, necessitating effective management strategies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have emerged as beneficial therapies, promoting both glycemic control and weight loss, yet real-world data on sex differences in response are limited. This study aimed to investigate sex-based differences in glycemic and weight outcomes, as well as adverse effects, in T2D patients treated with GLP-1 RAs at a single diabetes center. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective analysis, 114 patients (58.8% men) with T2D who were initiated on GLP-1 RA therapy between 2015 and 2023 were evaluated. Data on HbA1c, BMI, and adverse events were collected at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment initiation. Results: Our findings indicated a statistically significant HbA1c reduction (from 8.6% at GLP-1 RA initiation to 6.9% at 12 months in men (p < 0.001) and from 8.4% at initiation to 7.0% at 12 months after GLP-1 RA initiation (p < 0.001) in women). By 12 months, a significantly greater proportion of women compared to men achieved ≥ 5% (51.1% vs. 28.4%, p = 0.019) and ≥10% weight loss (29.8% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.006), with both differences reaching statistical significance. A statistically significant difference in weight loss in mean weight change and percent weight change in men vs. women was observed from month 6 of therapy. Conclusions: These findings underscore the effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs in improving glycemic control and weight loss in a real-world setting and suggest that women may experience greater weight reduction. Understanding these differences could inform personalized treatment strategies for optimized outcomes in T2D management.