Cardiovascular risk remains elevated in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This prospective, quasi-experimental study published in Diabetic Medicine assessed the effect of liraglutide 1.8 mg/day over 24 weeks on carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) and cardiometabolic parameters in adults aged 15–60 years with T1D, suboptimal glycemic control, and on a basal–bolus insulin regimen.

The study included 35 participants; median age was 36 years and 57.1% were women. Median diabetes duration was 11 years, baseline mean HbA1c was 67 mmol/mol (8.3%), and mean CIMT was 0.54 ± 0.13 mm. Assessments were performed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks.
After 24 weeks, liraglutide did not significantly modify CIMT (0.54 vs 0.58 mm; p = 0.151).

However, significant improvements were observed in waist circumference (82.5-79 cm; p = 0.004), BMI (25.5-24.3 kg/m²; p<0.001), triglycerides (94-75 mg/dL; p=0.02), body weight (70-66.7 kg; p < 0.001), and estimated glucose disposal rate (7.9-8.9 mg/kg/min; p = 0.003). Although HbA1c improved at 12 weeks, the effect was not sustained at 24 weeks. The study did not report severe hypoglycemia, emergency visits, diabetic ketoacidosis, or hospitalizations.

Liraglutide improved several cardiometabolic risk factors without significant short-term change in CIMT over 24 weeks. Larger long-term trials are needed to clarify its potential role in cardiovascular prevention in this population.