Treatment Outcomes and Tolerability Following Initiation of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Primary Care Practices in Germany

Abstract

Background: The aim was to investigate real-world treatment outcomes and tolerability of GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes in Germany. Methods: Patients from 323 primary care practices who started any GLP-1RA therapy (89 Byetta, 108 Bydureon, 347 Victoza patients) between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013 (index date) were analyzed retrospectively (Disease Analyzer database, Germany). Changes from baseline in HbA1c, weight, and hypoglycemia were evaluated in 3 follow-up periods of 0-6, 7-12, and 13-18 months. Results: A total of 544 diabetes patients (mean age: 57.9 years; men: 54%) were eligible for the study. Mean (SD) HbA1c (%) decreased from 8.3 (1.4) at baseline to 7.4 (1.2) in 6 months, 7.6 (1.3) in 7-12 months and 7.6 (1.4) in 13-18 months, respectively (P <7% increased from 15% at baseline to 38%, 36% and 35% in the corresponding periods (P