Effect of Once Weekly Semaglutide in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in National Guard Primary Health Care, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: a retrospective cohort study.

AbstractPurpose In this study we aimed to analyze the effects of Semaglutide injection (Ozempic) in patients with diabetes on glycemic control and weight. Furthermore, identify the percentage of discontinuation due to Semaglutide side effects. Methods The study was performed in the Primary Health Care in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. BestCare (Health Information System refers to a smart and interactive electronic clinical record system that contains the Patient's medical history) was used to collect patients’ data. The study included all patients, a total of 238 patients, who were diagnosed with T2DM who used subcutaneous Semaglutide with a starting does of 0.25 mg. Only patients who have taken the medication for 6 months or more were included. All diabetic patients who were pregnant, lactating, or under 18 were excluded. This study was a retrospective cohort study. Efficacy of Semaglutide in HbA1c and weight were the two primary objectives. Results Significant reduction in both HbA1c (P = 0.001) and weight (P = < 0.001) were noted in compliant patients who were on a diet and exercise. HbAlc was reduced from 8.2 ± 1.54 to 6.9 ± 1.44, while weight decreased from an average of 97KG to 89.2KG. Semaglutide side effects had a huge impact in patients’ compliance, 25.2% of the population discontinued Semaglutide due to side effects. Conclusion It has been noticed that type 2 diabetic patients using Semaglutide have had better glycemic control and better weight management. Also, patient following a generally healthy diet and consistent exercise have a significant reduction in weight. The noticeable improvement with lifestyle intervention strongly, recommend the use of Semaglutide along with following diet and exercise, which is helpful in the control and management of diabetes.