A new real-world study found that patients with diabetes-related foot ulcers who were prescribed semaglutide may have experienced fewer complications—including lower rates of amputation—compared with those who didn't take the drug.
Investigators analyzed electronic health records from over 12,000 matched patients and observed significantly lower risks across multiple outcomes over 1- and 5-year periods.
Using data from the TriNetX research network, which included more than 100 million U.S. patients, the investigators compared two groups: a group of 6,329 patients with type 2 diabetes and foot ulcers who had been prescribed semaglutide within 6 months of diagnosis and a matched group of 6,329 patients who didn't take the drug. The participants were matched by age, sex, race, and ethnicity.
After a follow-up of 1 year, semaglutide users had lower rates of wound healing complications (0.19% vs 0.38%), chronic nonhealing wounds (0.75% vs 1.23%), chronic pain (4.44% vs 8.06%), wound care needs (2.42% vs 4.86%), wound dehiscence (0.26% vs 0.56%), and amputations (2.34% vs 5.21%). All differences were statistically significant.
These differences persisted after 5 years, with semaglutide users continuing to show lower rates of amputation (3.39% vs 6.55%) and other complications.
“Semaglutide use was associated with favorable outcomes in patients with diabetes-related foot ulcers, including reductions in wound-related complications,” said lead study author Joshua E. Lewis, of the University of Texas Medical Branch, and his colleagues.
However, the investigators emphasized that the study was observational and cannot prove causation. The improved outcomes among semaglutide users may have reflected more comprehensive diabetes care or improved access to health care resources.
Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonist, is used to treat type 2 diabetes and is known for lowering blood glucose and promoting weight loss. Prior research has suggested that GLP-1 receptor agonists may aid wound healing by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and supporting tissue repair.
To reduce potential confounding, the investigators excluded patients with serious comorbidities that impaired healing, including peripheral artery disease, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While this created a more uniform study population, it limited how broadly the findings could be applied.
The investigators used diagnostic codes to identify complications, which enabled analysis of a large data set but didn't capture clinical details such as wound size, ulcer depth, or lab results.
The investigators recommended further research, including randomized controlled trials, to better understand the potential role of semaglutide in wound healing among patients with diabetes.
Despite limitations, the study suggested that semaglutide may offer added benefits among patients with diabetes-related foot ulcers, a severe and costly complication of diabetes.
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.