Liraglutide Enhances Beta-Cell Function in Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes

In a study with 68 adults newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, liraglutide treatment preserved C-peptide levels, indicating maintained beta-cell function, compared to a decrease with placebo (P = 0.002). Liraglutide reduced the average daily insulin dose from 0.30 to 0.23 units/kg, whereas the placebo group required an increase from 0.29 to 0.43 units/kg (P < 0.001). Liraglutide also extended time without insulin treatment, with 13 patients experiencing up to 22 weeks without insulin versus 2 patients with the placebo experiencing up to 6 weeks. Fewer hypoglycemic episodes were noted in the liraglutide group, though gastrointestinal adverse events were reported. The beta-cell function between groups was similar 6 weeks post-treatment.