Oral Semaglutide Significantly Improves Cardiovascular Outcomes in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Published: Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 9:30 pm

Oral Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

A recent study presented at the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions indicates that oral semaglutide offers significant cardiovascular benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The research, known as the Semaglutide Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (SOUL), revealed a 14% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among participants taking the oral medication.

The study involved 9,650 adults aged 50 or older with type 2 diabetes and either existing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or both. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either once-daily oral semaglutide or a placebo, in addition to standard care. The primary outcome measured was the occurrence of MACE, which included cardiovascular-related death, nonfatal heart attack, or nonfatal stroke.

The results showed that 12.0% of participants in the oral semaglutide group experienced a primary-outcome event, compared to 13.8% in the placebo group. The mean follow-up period was approximately 47.5 months. The study also examined secondary outcomes, including major kidney disease events, with no significant differences observed between the two groups. The incidence of serious adverse events was comparable between the two groups, as was the incidence of gastrointestinal disorders.

The study's lead author emphasized the importance of addressing cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes patients. The findings suggest that oral semaglutide could be a valuable treatment option for those at risk. Researchers plan to further investigate these findings in real-world settings to guide future clinical practices.

BNN's Perspective: This study offers encouraging news for individuals with type 2 diabetes, particularly those at high risk for cardiovascular complications. The potential for an oral medication to provide similar benefits to injectable treatments could improve patient adherence and broaden access to preventative care. While further research is needed, this development represents a positive step forward in diabetes management.

Keywords: oral semaglutide, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular outcomes, heart disease, stroke, heart attack, MACE, ADA, diabetes treatment, clinical trial

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