Recent research published in Diabetes Care revealed that, regardless of the added medication, early-weight gain in metformin-treated type 2 diabetes patients is associated with increased cardiovascular and kidney disease, along with poorer glycemic control.

Early weight gain in metformin-treated type 2 diabetes patients is linked to poorer glycemic control and higher cardiovascular and kidney risks, regardless of the added medication. Anti-hyperglycemic medications cause weight gain, which interferes with effective T3D management. The study aimed to investigate the 5-year outcomes of four diabetes medications for their effect on weight gain.

Researchers conducted a randomized trial including 4980 participants and compared the weight gain potential of adding insulin glargine, liraglutide, glimepiride,  or sitagliptin to metformin in participants with T2D. Weight change per kilogram was analyzed for its impact on neuropathy, cardiovascular and kidney disease, HbA1c >7.5%, and overall treatment satisfaction.

It was found that out of 4980 participants (median age of 57 yrs), 44% were non-white, having HbA1c of 7.5% ± 0.5%, and BMI 34.3 ± 6.8 kg/m2. During the first year, the mean (95% CI) weight change (kg) was -3.5 (-3.8,-3.2) with liraglutide, 0.45 (0.16, 0.74) with glargine, 0.89 (0.60, 1.2) with glimepiride, and -1.07 (-1.4,-0.78) with sitagliptin. A decrease in weight was also observed in all groups. Association of an increase in risk of HbA1c >7.5% and subsequent CVD (HR 1.03 [95% CI 1.005, 1.06]) with the weight gain within 6 months was observed. In one year, the weight gain was associated with kidney disease and increased risk of HbA1c >7.5%. It was also found that new-onset neuropathy was linked with baseline weight but no weight gain.