Liraglutide and Βeta-Cell Function in Young Adults With Long-Standing Type 1 Diabetes and Residual C-Peptide: A Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

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• Picked for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (top studies of the week, 16 August 2026): Randomized trial of liraglutide in type 1 diabetes

Abstract

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of liraglutide on residual beta-cell function in adults with long-standing type 1 diabetes (T1D) and detectable C-peptide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 18 adults with T1D duration ≥ 5 years and detectable fasting C-peptide were assigned to liraglutide or placebo for 52 weeks. Mixed-meal tolerance tests were performed at baseline and weeks 6, 52, and 65. The primary endpoint was change in stimulated C-peptide area under the curve from baseline to week 52. RESULTS: Liraglutide did not improve stimulated C-peptide compared with placebo at week 52. In exploratory post hoc longitudinal analyses including the post-treatment period (weeks 0-65), stimulated C-peptide declined more steeply in the liraglutide group than in the placebo group, accompanied by increasing insulin requirements over time. CONCLUSIONS: In adults with long-standing T1D, liraglutide did not preserve stimulated C-peptide after 52 weeks. Exploratory post hoc longitudinal analyses suggested a steeper decline in stimulated C-peptide with liraglutide than with placebo.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.