A Retrospective Audit of Type 2 Diabetes Patients Prescribed Liraglutide in Real-Life Clinical Practice

Abstract

Background

In phase 3 trials, the once-daily human glucagon-like peptide-1 analog liraglutide provided effective glycemic control with low rates of hypoglycemia, weight loss, and reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Through a retrospective clinical audit, the authors aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of liraglutide, from initiation to first hospital visit, when prescribed at a center in Northern Ireland.

Methods

Patients attending Ulster Hospital who were prescribed liraglutide (June 2009–September 2010) and assessed both at baseline and first post-initiation visit were included in the analysis. The primary endpoint was change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) from baseline. Weight, blood pressure, and frequency of hypoglycemic events were also assessed.

Results

Data from 193 patients are reported (baseline HbA_1c 9.0%, mean age 55.8 years, diabetes duration 8.8 years, 66.8% male). Average time to first visit after initiation was 13.5 weeks, at which point 174 patients (90.2%) were prescribed 1.2 mg liraglutide. Mean change in HbA_1c from initiation to first visit was −0.9%, while mean body weight change was −2.4 kg and change in SBP was −2.0 mmHg. Transient gastrointestinal side effects were experienced by 11.9% of patients. The number of patients experiencing minor hypoglycemic events was low (5.7%) and no major events were reported.

Conclusion

Data from clinical studies translate into clinical practice: liraglutide provided improved glycemic control after 13.5 weeks of treatment, accompanied by weight loss and low incidence of hypoglycemia.