Metabolic effects of very-low calorie diet, Semaglutide, or combination of the two, in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Very-low calorie diets (VLCD) and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA) Semaglutide induce significant weight loss and improve glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This pilot study was conducted to explore the comparative short-term effects of these interventions individually, and in combination, on weight, body composition and metabolic outcomes. Thirty individuals with T2D (age 18–75 years, BMI 27–50 kg m−2) were randomly assigned to receive Semaglutide (SEM), 800 kilocalorie/day VLCD (VLCD), or both in combination (COMB) for 12 weeks. Measurement of weight and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT) were performed at baseline and post-intervention. Diet diaries were utilised to assess compliance. Insulin first phase response during IVGTT provided a marker of pancreatic beta-cell function, and insulin sensitivity was estimated using HOMA-IR. Significantly greater reductions in body weight and fat mass were observed in VLCD and COMB, than SEM (p