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Study breakdown

Semaglutide as Add-On Therapy: Improved Blood Sugar and Cardiovascular Markers

CohortModerate evidence
The takeaway

Semaglutide as add-on therapy significantly improved glycemic control and cardiovascular risk markers in T2D patients inadequately controlled on existing medications.

Multi-target improvement

Adding semaglutide improved blood sugar, weight, blood pressure, and lipids simultaneously in inadequately controlled diabetes

What the researchers found

Semaglutide add-on therapy improved glycemic control, body weight, blood pressure, and lipid profiles in inadequately controlled T2D patients.

Why it matters

Treatment intensification with the right drug maximizes metabolic and cardiovascular benefit. Semaglutide addresses multiple risk factors simultaneously.

The numbers in context

Two-year follow-up. Measurements at baseline, 12 months (T12), and 24 months (T24). CGM metrics used for glycemic assessment.

How the study worked

Clinical evaluation of semaglutide as add-on to existing diabetes therapy. Assessed HbA1c, weight, cardiovascular risk markers.

Who was studied

Adults with type 1 diabetes on intensive insulin therapy with semaglutide add-on for 2 years

What this study cannot tell us

Study specifics in full paper. Add-on studies may have different baseline characteristics than treatment-naive studies.

How to read the evidence

Moderate evidence: clinical evaluation of semaglutide add-on with multiple metabolic endpoint improvements.

When this study was published

Published in 2025.

The bigger picture

Semaglutide as add-on addresses the growing recognition that diabetes treatment should target multiple cardiometabolic risk factors, not just blood sugar.

Questions still open

  • Which baseline therapy combination benefits most from semaglutide addition?
  • How quickly do cardiovascular markers improve after adding semaglutide?
  • Is semaglutide the optimal add-on for all T2D patients or just certain profiles?

Common questions

Why add semaglutide to my current diabetes medications?
Semaglutide improves multiple risk factors at once — blood sugar, weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Unlike adding another single-target drug, semaglutide provides comprehensive metabolic and cardiovascular improvement.
Can I take semaglutide with my current medications?
Yes — semaglutide is commonly added to metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and other diabetes drugs. Your doctor will assess which combination is optimal for your specific situation.

Read the original research

Evaluating the effect of Semaglutide as add-on therapy on glycemic control and continuous glucose monitoring outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes: A two-year real-world data study.

Journal of diabetes and its complications, 39(7), 109064

Citation

Al Hayek, Ayman; Klonoff, David C; Al Zahrani, Wael M; Ibrahim, Suzan Eid; Al Dawish, Mohammed A. (2025). Evaluating the effect of Semaglutide as add-on therapy on glycemic control and continuous glucose monitoring outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes: A two-year real-world data study.. Journal of diabetes and its complications, 39(7), 109064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2025.109064