Effect of Liraglutide on Cardiovascular Endpoints in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients of South Asian Descent
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2018-03-09
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Among South Asians, in comparison to Western Europeans, there is an increased risk of type 2
diabetes mellitus (DM2) and DM2-related cardiovascular disease. The effect of Liraglutide
(Victoza®) on cardiovascular function is therefore investigated in the DM2 patient group of
South Asian descent specifically.
Liraglutide is a new widely prescribed therapeutic agent for DM2 patients. It is a Glucagon
Like Peptide - 1 homologue that improves glucose homeostasis and reduces blood pressure and
body weight. The disadvantageous metabolic phenotype as seen in South Asians includes a
relatively large total fat mass, with predominately visceral relative to subcutaneous adipose
tissue and lower brown adipose tissue volume and activity, accompanied by increased lipid
levels. The key elements in the mechanism of action of Liraglutide seem to correspond to the
differences in metabolic profile between South Asians and Western Europeans. Diastolic
dysfunction, an early finding of cardiovascular disease in DM2 and obesity and an independent
predictor of mortality, has been shown to be associated with the amount of triglyceride
accumulation in the heart and liver. The investigators hypothesize that Liraglutide has
direct advantageous cardiovascular effects and reduces triglyceride accumulation in
end-organs, specifically for DM2 patients of South Asian descent.