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Study · Systematic review · n = 9,773 · 2018

12 results

Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Semaglutide for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Shi FH, Li H, Cui M, Zhang ZL, Gu ZC, Liu XY

Frontiers in pharmacology4 Jun 2018Cited by 41 (Europe PMC)

PMID29915538 (opens in a new tab)PMCIDPMC5994433 (opens in a new tab)DOI10.3389/fphar.2018.00576 (opens in a new tab)PepBankPUB-29915538
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Summary

Background: Semaglutide, a newly once-weekly glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has showed a favorable effect on glycaemic control and weight reduction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of semaglutide in T2DM. Methods: A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies. The efficacy data expressed as weight mean difference (WMD) and the safety data expressed as risk ratios (RRs) were calculated by employing random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed through I2 test, and subgroup analyses were performed by different control groups, dosage of semaglutide, and durations of follow up. Results: 9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria. For efficacy, compared with other therapies, semaglutide resulted in a significant reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (weight mean difference, WMD: -0.93%, 95% CI: -1.24 to -0.62, P < 0.001), fasting plasma glucose (WMD: -1.15 mmol/L, 95% CI: -1.67 to -0.63, P < 0.001), mean self-monitoring of plasma glucose (WMD: -1.19 mmol/L, 95% CI: -1.68 to -0.70, P < 0.001), body weight (WMD: -3.47 kg, 95% CI: -3.96 to -2.98, P < 0.001), body mass index (WMD: -1.25 kg/m2, 95% CI: -1.45 to -1.04, P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (WMD: -2.55 mmHg, 95% CI: -3.22 to -1.88, P < 0.001), with the exception of negative result of diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -0.29 mmHg, 95% CI: -0.65 to 0.07, P = 0.113) and increased impact on pulse rate (WMD: -2.21, 95% CI: 1.54 to 2.88, P < 0.001). The results were consistent across the key subgroups. For safety, semaglutide did not increase the risk of any adverse events, hypoglycemia and pancreatitis, but induced a higher risk of gastrointestinal disorders when compared with other therapies (RR: 1.98, 95%CI: 1.49 to 2.62, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Semaglutide was effective and acceptable in patients with T2DM except for a high risk of gastrointestinal disorders. The capacity of glycaemic and body weight control of semaglutide appeared more effective than other add-on therapies including other GLP-1 receptor agonists of exenatide release and dulaglutide.
CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study12

12 results from studies that gave the peptide. 12 results from people.

  1. 01HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide lowered HbA1c versus other therapies in a meta-analysis of 9 RCTs.

    In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide lowered HbA1c more than other treatments in pooled trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseHbA1c
    Study

    n = 9,773

    Comparator
    Other therapies (placebo and active comparators)
    Outcome group
    Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Measurements

    WMD
    −0.93%
    HbA1c

    Source sentences

    Summary
    semaglutide resulted in a significant reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (weight mean difference, WMD: -0.93%, 95% CI: -1.24 to -0.62, P < 0.001)
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies.
    Summary · context
    9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria.
  2. 02HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide lowered fasting plasma glucose versus other therapies in a meta-analysis.

    In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide lowered fasting blood glucose more than other treatments in pooled trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseFasting plasma glucose
    Study

    n = 9,773

    Comparator
    Other therapies (placebo and active comparators)
    Outcome group
    Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Measurements

    WMD
    −1.15 mmol/L
    fasting plasma glucose

    Source sentences

    Summary
    fasting plasma glucose (WMD: -1.15 mmol/L, 95% CI: -1.67 to -0.63, P < 0.001)
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies.
    Summary · context
    9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria.
  3. 03HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide lowered mean self-monitored plasma glucose versus other therapies in a meta-analysis.

    In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide lowered home-measured glucose more than other treatments in pooled trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseMean self-monitored plasma glucose
    Study

    n = 9,773

    Comparator
    Other therapies (placebo and active comparators)
    Outcome group
    Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Measurements

    WMD
    −1.19 mmol/L
    self-monitored plasma glucose

    Source sentences

    Summary
    mean self-monitoring of plasma glucose (WMD: -1.19 mmol/L, 95% CI: -1.68 to -0.70, P < 0.001)
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies.
    Summary · context
    9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria.
  4. 04HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide reduced body weight versus other therapies in a meta-analysis.

    In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide reduced body weight more than other treatments in pooled trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseBody weight
    Study

    n = 9,773

    Comparator
    Other therapies (placebo and active comparators)
    Outcome group
    Body weight · Metabolic and weight
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Measurements

    WMD
    −3.47 kg
    body weight

    Source sentences

    Summary
    body weight (WMD: -3.47 kg, 95% CI: -3.96 to -2.98, P < 0.001)
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies.
    Summary · context
    9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria.
  5. 05HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide reduced body mass index versus other therapies in a meta-analysis.

    In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide lowered body mass index more than other treatments in pooled trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseBody mass index
    Study

    n = 9,773

    Comparator
    Other therapies (placebo and active comparators)
    Outcome group
    Body weight · Metabolic and weight
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Measurements

    WMD
    −1.25 kg/m2
    body mass index

    Source sentences

    Summary
    body mass index (WMD: -1.25 kg/m2, 95% CI: -1.45 to -1.04, P < 0.001)
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies.
    Summary · context
    9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria.
  6. 06HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide lowered systolic blood pressure versus other therapies in a meta-analysis.

    In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide lowered systolic blood pressure more than other treatments in pooled trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseSystolic blood pressure
    Study

    n = 9,773

    Comparator
    Other therapies (placebo and active comparators)
    Outcome group
    Blood pressure · Cardiovascular
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Measurements

    WMD
    −2.55 mmHg
    systolic blood pressure

    Source sentences

    Summary
    systolic blood pressure (WMD: -2.55 mmHg, 95% CI: -3.22 to -1.88, P < 0.001)
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies.
    Summary · context
    9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria.
  7. 07HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide did not significantly change diastolic blood pressure versus other therapies in a meta-analysis.

    In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide did not clearly change diastolic blood pressure compared with other treatments in pooled trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changeDiastolic blood pressure
    Study

    n = 9,773

    Comparator
    Other therapies (placebo and active comparators)
    Outcome group
    Blood pressure · Cardiovascular
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Measurements

    WMD
    −0.29 mmHg
    diastolic blood pressure

    Source sentences

    Summary
    diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -0.29 mmHg, 95% CI: -0.65 to 0.07, P = 0.113)
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies.
    Summary · context
    9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria.
  8. 08HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide increased pulse rate versus other therapies in a meta-analysis.

    In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide raised pulse rate compared with other treatments in pooled trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    IncreasePulse rate
    Study

    n = 9,773

    Comparator
    Other therapies (placebo and active comparators)
    Outcome group
    Heart function · Cardiovascular
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    increased impact on pulse rate (WMD: -2.21, 95% CI: 1.54 to 2.88, P < 0.001).
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies.
    Summary · context
    9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria.
  9. 09HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide did not raise the overall risk of adverse events versus other therapies in a meta-analysis.

    In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide did not raise the overall risk of side effects compared with other treatments in pooled trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changeAny adverse events
    Study

    n = 9,773

    Comparator
    Other therapies (placebo and active comparators)
    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Whole body
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    semaglutide did not increase the risk of any adverse events, hypoglycemia and pancreatitis, but induced a higher risk of gastrointestinal disorders when compared with other therapies (RR: 1.98, 95%CI: 1.49 to 2.62, P < 0.001).
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies.
    Summary · context
    9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria.
  10. 10HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide did not raise the risk of hypoglycemia versus other therapies in a meta-analysis.

    In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide did not raise the risk of low blood sugar compared with other treatments in pooled trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changeHypoglycemia
    Study

    n = 9,773

    Comparator
    Other therapies (placebo and active comparators)
    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Metabolic and weight
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    semaglutide did not increase the risk of any adverse events, hypoglycemia and pancreatitis, but induced a higher risk of gastrointestinal disorders when compared with other therapies (RR: 1.98, 95%CI: 1.49 to 2.62, P < 0.001).
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies.
    Summary · context
    9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria.
  11. 11HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide did not raise the risk of pancreatitis versus other therapies in a meta-analysis.

    In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide did not raise the risk of pancreatitis compared with other treatments in pooled trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changePancreatitis
    Study

    n = 9,773

    Comparator
    Other therapies (placebo and active comparators)
    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Gastrointestinal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    semaglutide did not increase the risk of any adverse events, hypoglycemia and pancreatitis, but induced a higher risk of gastrointestinal disorders when compared with other therapies (RR: 1.98, 95%CI: 1.49 to 2.62, P < 0.001).
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies.
    Summary · context
    9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria.
  12. 12HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome

    In adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide raised the risk of gastrointestinal disorders versus other therapies (RR 1.98) in a meta-analysis.

    In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide caused more digestive side effects than other treatments in pooled trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    IncreaseGastrointestinal disorders
    Study

    n = 9,773

    Comparator
    Other therapies (placebo and active comparators)
    Outcome group
    Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Measurements

    RR
    1.98 ratio
    gastrointestinal disorders

    Source sentences

    Summary
    but induced a higher risk of gastrointestinal disorders when compared with other therapies (RR: 1.98, 95%CI: 1.49 to 2.62, P < 0.001).
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    A comprehensive searching was performed for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which reported the efficacy and safety data of semaglutide and other therapies.
    Summary · context
    9 RCTs including 9,773 subjects met the inclusion criteria.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

  1. Version 2Current

    11 Oct 2026, 00:50 UTC

    Study results updated

  2. Version 1

    9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC

    First added · source update from Europe PMC

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