Real-World Oral Semaglutide Shows Strong Glycemic and Weight Benefits in Thai Patients

Globally, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a growing health crisis, with a significant burden in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Effective management is crucial to prevent long-term complications like cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. While injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists are highly effective, patient adherence can be challenging due to needle aversion. This study addresses the real-world effectiveness and safety of oral semaglutide in a diverse Thai patient population, providing crucial insights into its practical utility.

The study demonstrated significant improvements in key metabolic parameters. Patients treated with oral semaglutide achieved a mean HbA1c reduction of 1.5% from a baseline of 8.2% to 6.7% over 12 months of follow-up. Furthermore, 43% of patients reached the glycemic target of HbA1c <7.0%. The most significant finding was a mean body weight reduction of 5.2 kg (or 6.1% of baseline body weight), highlighting its substantial impact on weight management. Systolic blood pressure also saw a mean reduction of 5.8 mmHg, contributing to improved cardiovascular risk profiles. The incidence of severe hypoglycemia was remarkably low at 0.2%, indicating a favorable safety profile.