Combining semaglutide with a very low-calorie diet may be a more effective way to treat type 2 diabetes than either approach alone, according to a recent study published in Clinical Nutrition. This combination treatment improved the functioning of cells that produce insulin, known as pancreatic beta cells. However, while the very low-calorie diet alone produced greater short-term weight loss than semaglutide, the combination treatment did not result in greater weight loss than the diet alone.
The link between obesity and type 2 diabetes is significant, with obesity increasing the risk of developing the condition due to insulin resistance and reduced beta cell functioning. As excess weight plays a vital role in type 2 diabetes risk, weight loss is crucial for diabetes management. Semaglutide, originally intended as a type 2 diabetes treatment, can also aid in weight loss by increasing insulin production after eating and suppressing the production of glucagon. Similarly, very low-calorie diets have been shown to produce significant weight loss and improve blood sugar control.
The recent study recruited 30 participants with type 2 diabetes and divided them into three groups: semaglutide, very low-calorie diet, and a combination of the two. Over 12 weeks, participants’ body weight, blood sugar levels, body composition, and beta cell function were assessed. Results showed that a very low-calorie diet and the combination of diet and semaglutide led to greater reductions in body weight and fat mass compared to semaglutide alone. Improvements in insulin sensitivity and beta cell function were also higher in the diet and combination groups.
While the study highlights the potential benefits of combining a very low-calorie diet with semaglutide for managing type 2 diabetes, it was a pilot study with a limited number of participants and a short time frame. Long-term research is needed to fully understand the impact of this combination treatment. Furthermore, sustainability of very low-calorie diets and potential rebound effects on weight regain need to be considered in long-term management. Despite these questions, the study suggests that the combination approach may offer a promising avenue for achieving diabetes remission and improving beta cell function in the future.
