Liraglutide linked to reduction in VAT, improvement in beta-index

(HealthDay)—For obese individuals with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes, liraglutide is associated with a greater reduction in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and greater improvement in β-index, according to a study published online Sept. 14 in Diabetes Care.

Francesca Santilli, from the Center of Aging Science and Translational Medicine in Chieti, Italy, and colleagues randomized 62 metformin-treated obese subjects with prediabetes or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes to liraglutide or lifestyle counseling.

The researchers found that the reduction in VAT was significantly higher in the liraglutide versus the lifestyle counseling arm (P = 0.028) after comparable weight loss, achieved by 20 patients per arm, and superimposable glycemic control, as reflected by hemoglobin A1c level, which was accompanied by greater improvement in β-index (P = 0.021). There were no differences in reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue (P = 0.64). With liraglutide administration only there was a significant increase in insulin-like growth factor-II serum levels (P = 0.024), and the increase correlated with a decrease in VAT (P = 0.056) and an increase in the β-index (P = 0.012).

"Liraglutide effects on visceral obesity and β-cell function might provide a rationale for using this molecule in obese subjects in an early phase of glucose metabolism dysregulation natural history," the authors write.

One author disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.