Real-world retrospective study in elderly patients aged 65 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with daily oral semaglutide (SEMA-elderly).

Abstract

Aim: This real-world, retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of oral semaglutide-the first GLP-1 receptor agonist available in oral form-in patients aged 65 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and methods: The primary endpoint was the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline (V1) to six months (V3). Secondary endpoints included change in body weight, proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7%, proportion of patients achieving both an HbA1c reduction of ≥1% and a body weight reduction of ≥5%. Exploratory endpoints were also assessed, including evaluations at three months (V2).

Results: One hundred and one patients (mean age 74.7 ± 6.1 years) started oral semaglutide treatment. Mean HbA1c decreased significantly from V1 to V3 (change: -0.44%, p < 0.001), with reductions already evident at V2. The proportion of patients achieving an HbA1c ≤7% increased from 36.6% at V1 to 61.7% at V3. At V3, 9.6% of patients achieved an HbA1c reduction of ≥1% and a weight loss of ≥5%. Body weight decreased from a baseline mean of 76.8-73.7 kg at V3 (p < 0.001). Body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly from V1 to V3, with changes already evident at V2. Eleven patients (10.9%) reported adverse events. Seven patients (6.9%) discontinued treatment.

Conclusion: Oral semaglutide effectively improves glycaemic control and weight management in elderly patients with T2DM while improving lipid and cardiovascular parameters and proving to be safe and well tolerated.