Liraglutide reduces the body weight and waist circumference in Chinese overweight and obese type 2 diabetic patients

Aim： To investigate the effects of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 （GLP-1） receptor activator, on body weight and waist circumference in Chinese overweight and obese type 2 diabetic patients. Methods： A total of 328 Chinese overweight and obese type 2 diabetic patients were included in this multi-center, open-labeled and self-controlled clinical study. The patients were subcutaneously injected with Iiraglutide once dally for 24 weeks as add-on therapy to their previous hypoglycemic treatments. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software package version 3.1.5 for Windows. Results： Liraglutide treatment caused significant reduction of the mean body weight （from 86.61±14.09 to 79.10±13.55 kg） and waist circumference （from 101.81±13.96 to 94.29±14.17 cm）, resulting in body weight lose of 5%-10% in 43.67% patients, and body weight loss above 10% in 34.06% patients, who had significant lower plasma creatinine levels. Baseline waist circumference, BMI and HOMA-IR were independently correlated with the body weight loss. Furthermore, liraglutide treatment significantly decreased HbAlc levels （from 8.66%±2.17% to 6.92%±0.95%） with HbA1c〈7.0% in 35,37% patients, who had a significantly lower baseline level of HbAlc, but higher baseline levels of C peptide and glucagon. Moreover, liraglutide treatment resulted in greater body weight loss in patients with a long duration of diabetes, and better glycemic control in patients with a short duration of diabetes. Conclusion： Liraglutide significantly reduces body weight and waist circumference in Chinese overweight and obese type 2 diabetic patients. Patients with apparent visceral obesity, insulin resistance and a long duration of diabetes may have greater body weight loss whereas patients with high insulin-secreting ability, hyperglucagonemia, and short-duration diabetes may obtain better glycemic contrc with liraglutide.