Effects of Once-Weekly Dulaglutide on Glycemic Control and Renal Function in Patients with Advanced-Stage Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract

Objectives: Dulaglutide and liraglutide are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. We investigated the effects of once-weekly dulaglutide on glycemic control and renal function compared to once-daily liraglutide in patients with advanced-stage diabetic nephropathy. Methods: Changes over a 12-month period in levels of glycated hemoglobin, urine protein/creatinine ratio, and annual change in estimated glomerular filtration rate were retrospectively analyzed in 10 patients with advanced-stage diabetic nephropathy after changing from once-daily liraglutide (0.9 mg/day) to once-weekly dulaglutide (0.75 mg/week) (dulaglutide group). The control group comprised 10 patients with advanced-stage diabetic nephropathy who had continued once-daily liraglutide (0.9 mg/day) (liraglutide group). Results: The glycated hemoglobin level significantly decreased in the dulaglutide group after switching from liraglutide to dulaglutide (-0.81 ± 1.03% at 12 months from baseline, P < 0.05), but no change occurred in the liraglutide group. The urine protein/creatinine ratio and annual change in estimated glomerular filtration rate did not change in either groups. Conclusions: Once-weekly dulaglutide may be more advantageous for glycemic control compared to once-daily liraglutide in patients with advanced-stage diabetic nephropathy.