The impact of semaglutide on wound healing in diabetes related foot ulcer patients: A TriNetX database study

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes related foot ulcers (DFUs) are common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), affecting 15–25% of individuals living with diabetes and significantly contributing to healthcare costs ($9–13 billion annually in the U.S.). Without effective management, these wounds often lead to severe outcomes like amputations. This study aims to examine the association of semaglutide on DFU management. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized TriNetX US Research Network data to assess the impact of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, on DFU outcomes between 2013 and 2023. The study compared outcomes between semaglutide users with DFU (Cohort A, N = 6329) and non-users with DFU (Cohort B, N = 118,821) across 64 healthcare organizations. We matched participants by age, gender, race, and ethnicity; however, we excluded patients with certain co-morbidities. Statistical analysis, such as chi-square analysis and risk ratio, using TriNetX software evaluated different complication outcomes. Results: Semaglutide users with DFU demonstrated lower relative risks for complications compared to non-users. Within 1 year, semaglutide users were associated with lower relative risks for wound healing complications (0.19% vs 0.38%), chronic non-healing wounds (0.75% vs 1.23%), chronic pain (4.44% vs 8.06%), wound care (2.42% vs 4.86%), wound dehiscence (0.26% vs 0.56%), and amputation (2.34% vs 5.21%) (p