Liraglutide effect in reducing HbA1c and weight in Arab population with type2 diabetes, a prospective observational trial

BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of type2 diabetes differs between different ethnic groups. Asians develop type2 diabetes at younger age, lower body mass index, and in relatively short time. Not only that, some ethnicities have different responses and dosing regimens to different classes of anti-diabetic agents. Data from Japanese population showed that the optimal doses of liraglutide used are smaller than other population and that weight loss is not as effective as seen in Caucasians. METHODS We aimed to assess liraglutide efficacy in reducing weight and HbA1c in Arab population when used as add on to other anti-diabetic agents. We prospectively followed patients who were recruited to treatment with liraglutide for a 6 months period; at the start of the study we checked patients' demographics, weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, LFTs and creatinine. Patients were checked at 3 months and at the end of the study at 6 months. RESULTS There was a significant reduction in weight at 3 and 6 months from a mean weight of 96.01 ± 19.2 kg to (94.8 ± 20 kg with (P < 0.001)) and 94.5 ± 19 kg with (p < 0.001) respectively. Mean HbA1c at baseline was 8.3 ± 1.7 % dropped to 7.7 ± 1.4 % (p < 0.001) at 3 months, and 7.6 + 1.6 % (p < 0.001) at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Liraglutide is effective in reducing weight, HbA1c as well as other metabolic parameters in Arab population with type2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is approved and registered with the Institutional Ethical Committee Board (Dubai Health Authority Medical Research Committee) under registration Number (MRC-08/2013_03).