Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets

Author(s): Elena Sani*, Giuliana Da Prato, Maria Grazia Zenti, Andrea Bordugo, Maddalena Trombetta and Enzo Bonora

DOI: 10.2174/1871530322666220509225637

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Effects of Semaglutide on Glycemic Control and Weight Loss in a Patient with Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Case Report

Page: [1053 - 1057] Pages: 5

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Abstract

Background: Prader-Willi syndrome is the most frequent genetic cause of obesity and is often complicated by glucose metabolism alterations. Conventional therapies prescribed for type 2 diabetes frequently failed to achieve adequate glycemic control in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome. Beneficial effects of glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists exenatide and liraglutide have been reported for the management of type 2 diabetes in Prader-Willi syndrome, but no data are currently available in this population on the use of semaglutide.

Case Presentation: We report for the first time the use of semaglutide 1 mg per week in a 33-yearold man with Prader-Will syndrome complicated by poorly controlled diabetes and severe obesity. After 12 months of semaglutide treatment, we observed an important reduction in glycated hemoglobin levels (11.1% to 7.2%) and body weight (99.5 kg to 94.3 kg), with a notable decrease in fat mass and insulin requirements. Interestingly, our patient had already tried liraglutide therapy in adjunction to metformin and insulin therapy, reporting no substantial efficacy.

Conclusion: The beneficial effects of semaglutide on glycemic control and weight reduction provide a promising treatment for diabetes and obesity in Prader-Willi syndrome, even where other glucagons like peptide-1 receptor agonists have failed. Further studies are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of semaglutide in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Keywords: Semaglutide, Prader-Willi syndrome, diabetes mellitus, obesity, gLP-1RA, hyperphagia, weight loss, glycemical control.