Weight re-gain after initial dieting often undermines glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Findings presented at EASD 2025 demonstrate that combining semaglutide with lifestyle intervention can significantly improve long-term metabolic outcomes.

In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity first underwent an eight-week low-calorie diet. Participants were then randomized to receive once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 1.0 mg or placebo for ten months during a weight maintenance phase with continued lifestyle support.
After 12 months, hemoglobin A1c decreased by 15.7 mmol/mol in the semaglutide group versus 6.0 mmol/mol in the placebo group, with a significant between-group difference of 9.7 mmol/mol. Weight loss was also greater with semaglutide, with a mean reduction of 15.1 kg versus 7.3 kg with placebo.

Improvements extended to body composition, including greater reductions in body fat percentage and total fat mass. Fasting glucose levels decreased more markedly in the semaglutide group.

No significant differences were observed in blood pressure, lipid profile, or inflammatory markers. These results indicate that semaglutide can enhance both glycemic control and body composition when combined with lifestyle interventions.