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Ozempic can help people with diabetes walk better despite poor blood flow to legs: Why Lancet study is significant

The study demonstrates the multiple protective powers of semaglutide.

The study is significant because it once again demonstrates the multiple protective powers of semaglutide beyond improving blood sugar and helping in weight loss. (Reuters file photo)

Semaglutide, the diabetes and weight loss drug that’s commonly known as Ozempic, can help patients of peripheral artery disease (a circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs because of plaque) walk a longer distance. This is usually common among diabetics.

The study, which was published in The Lancet, showed that 1 mg semaglutide helped adults with type 2 diabetes and symptomatic peripheral artery disease increase their walking distance by 13 per cent over a placebo in adults. Semaglutide was associated with an improvement in ankle-brachial indices – a test that compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm to check blood flow in lower limbs. The STRIDE trial results were presented at the American College of Cardiology Annual Meeting on March 29 and was funded by Novo Nordisk, the makers of Ozempic.

The study is significant because it once again demonstrates the multiple protective powers of semaglutide beyond improving blood sugar and helping in weight loss. So far, semaglutide has been proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, benefit kidney health and lower certain addiction behaviours.

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What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

This is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs. It is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes and is a leading cause of disability and amputation. PAD impacts more than 230 million people globally, and there are currently no available medical treatments that can prevent or delay complications in diabetics.

Dr Subodh Verma, cardiac surgeon-scientist at St Michael’s Hospital and a Canada Research Chair in cardiac surgery and who co-led the study, said, “This is a stubborn and highly debilitating disease for which we have no current therapies.”

Patients affected by the disorder are limited in their ability to function and walk without pain. Those with progressive PAD may require serious interventions, including a revascularization surgery where surgeons use interventions to improve blood supply to the legs. In serious cases, limb amputation may be required.

Why semaglutide offers hope

“Functional impairment in people with PAD is often unrecognised during early stages despite a severe degree of disability. Hence the results of the trial are significant and show that the benefit of semaglutide for maximum walking distance was apparent at 26 weeks. It continued to increase through to 52 weeks, without an apparent plateau, which is relevant because semaglutide could be considered for long-term therapy,” Dr Verma explained.

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“Amputation is one of the most feared complications of diabetes, and is 10-20 times more common in people with diabetes than those without,” said Dr Lawrence Leiter, an endocrinologist at St. Michael’s and Professor of Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto.

Following this trial, Novo Nordisk has submitted a label extension application for Ozempic to the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Anuradha Mascarenhas

Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More