A post-hoc analysis published in ‘Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism’ found that liraglutide + sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) ‡ metformin significantly improved glycaemic control among specified baseline factors. The data for this analysis included 303 participants and aimed to check whether the efficacy of liraglutide 1.8 mg in addition to SGLT2i + metformin was dependent on five baseline characteristics (glycated hemoglobin or hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), body mass index, duration of diabetes, duration of pre-trial SGLT2i use and Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance).

Following were the key findings:

• Liraglutide 1.8 mg would provide an effective treatment intensification option irrespective of a broad range of the specified baseline values, including HbA1c, body mass index, duration of diabetes, duration of pre-trial SGLT2i use and Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance.
• HbA1c reduction appeared more pronounced in those with high baseline HbA1c in the group taking liraglutide compared to placebo.
• Higher baseline body mass index was associated with increased reduction in body weight.

In conclusion, the results of this analysis confirm that, for patients with type-2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control despite therapy with SGLT2is + metformin, the addition of liraglutide 1.8 mg would provide an effective treatment intensification option. As of the publication of this analysis, this combination therapy is recommended by a number of international guidelines.