Relative Effectiveness and Safety of the GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1) Receptor Agonists, Semaglutide and Liraglutide in the Treatment of Obese Type 2 Diabetics: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study in Poland.

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and safety of semaglutide and liraglutide over one year in obese Polish patients with type 2 diabetes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this prospective, observational cohort study conducted in Poland in 2024, 460 patients aged 18-80 were enrolled: 333 received semaglutide (Group 1), and 133 received liraglutide (Group 2).

RESULTS

After 12 months, HbA1c levels significantly decreased in both groups: Group 1: from 6.09 ± 1.14% to 5.42 ± 0.82% (mean decrease: 0.67 ± 0.37%, <0.0001). Group 2: from 5.78 ± 0.75% to 5.17 ± 0.54% (mean decrease: 0.61 ± 0.28%, <0.001). BMI decreased by 5.36 ± 3.45 kg/m² in Group 1 and 4.41 ± 4.63 kg/m² in Group 2 (<0.0001), with greater reduction in Group 1 (=0.017). Gastrointestinal adverse effects were most common, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, gastritis, and diarrhea, with higher incidence in Group 1. HbA1c reduction correlated with baseline HbA1c, age, and gender; BMI reduction correlated with baseline HbA1c and BMI.

CONCLUSION

Semaglutide was more effective than liraglutide in reducing HbA1c and BMI. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most frequent side effects in both groups.