Efficacy and safety of liraglutide added to insulin therapy in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Summary Introduction The combination of GLP‐1 receptor agonists and insulin is effective in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment. However, its longitudinal efficacy and safety in elderly patients have not been established. We evaluated whether liraglutide (Lira) added to insulin therapy safely improved glycaemic control in T2D patients aged >65 years. Methods Twenty T2D patients receiving insulin were recruited, and Lira was added to their treatment regimen. Before and 6 months after Lira was added, we assessed the metabolic parameters and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data. Results Six months after Lira was added, the levels of HbA1c and glycated albumin and body weight were significantly improved, despite the daily doses and number of insulin injections per day being reduced. CGM analysis revealed that the SD and AUC of glucose >180 mg/dL were significantly decreased; the proportion of hypoglycaemic events was not increased. Conclusion Lira administration safely improved glycaemic control and reduced body weight. Lira added to insulin therapy may improve the quality of life in elderly T2D patients undergoing insulin therapy, especially those requiring social support.