Semaglutide vs. Caloric Restriction for Type 2 Diabetes and Fatty Liver

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) are highly prevalent conditions often co-occurring, posing significant health challenges worldwide. While semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has demonstrated efficacy in managing T2DM and its complications, and caloric restriction is a foundational treatment, there's a critical need for direct comparative studies. This Phase 4 clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of semaglutide versus energy restriction on T2DM combined with MAFLD and elucidate their molecular mechanisms.

As this PHASE 4 clinical trial is currently RECRUITING participants, specific findings are not yet available, with an estimated completion date of 2026-07-01. Researchers are meticulously collecting data from an estimated 100 participants to compare the effects of semaglutide and caloric restriction on various metabolic parameters in individuals with T2DM and MAFLD. They aim to measure changes in HbA1c (a key indicator of long-term blood sugar control), body weight, liver fat content (often assessed via imaging), and markers of insulin resistance and hepatic inflammation. The primary objective is to determine whether semaglutide offers superior or distinct benefits compared to caloric restriction in improving both glycemic control and reducing liver steatosis in this patient population, with results expected to be quantitative and statistically significant.