The Glycemic Effect of Liraglutide Evaluated by Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Dialysis

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of liraglutide treatment on glucose variability and the risk of hypoglycemia by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed CGM data from a previous trial where 24 persons with T2D and dialysis-dependent ESRD were allocated (1:1) to 12 weeks of double-blinded treatment with liraglutide (titrated to maximum tolerable dose up to 1.8 mg) or placebo as an add-on to preexisting antidiabetic treatment. CGM (Ipro2®; Medtronic) was performed for up to 7 days at baseline and at weeks 2, 6, and 10. A linear mixed model was used to compare the 2 study arms.

RESULTS: A CGM was worn at baseline by 12 persons in the liraglutide group and 10 in the placebo group (7 and 9 completed week 10, respectively). Glycated hemoglobin A1c (p = 0.81) and glucose variability was similar between the groups (standard deviation, p = 0.33; coefficient of variation, p = 0.16). Comparing baseline and week 10, the number of hypoglycemic events (glucose values between <3.9 and 3.0 mmol/L) increased in the liraglutide group compared with the placebo group (p = 0.02). The occurrence of hypoglycemic events below 3.0 mmol/L was similar between the groups (p = 0.36).

CONCLUSIONS: In the present cohort of persons with T2D and dialysis-dependent ESRD, liraglutide treatment increased the risk of hypoglycemic events as compared to placebo (no difference was found for hypoglycemic events below 3.0 mmol/L). The majority of participants were co-treated with insulin.