A groundbreaking study presented at UEG Week 2024 investigates a novel treatment strategy for type 2 diabetes (T2D) that has the potential to significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for insulin therapy[1]. This innovative approach combines a novel procedure called ReCET (Re-Cellularization via Electroporation Therapy) with the drug Semaglutide.
ReCET is a procedure performed under deep sedation that aims to improve the body's sensitivity to its own insulin[1]. Following the ReCET treatment, study participants followed a two-week isocaloric liquid diet before gradually starting Semaglutide, up to a dose of 1mg per week[1].
Semaglutide is a drug in the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and as a weight-loss agent[3]. It works by increasing insulin secretion, decreasing glucagon release, delaying gastric emptying, and reducing appetite[4].
The study included 14 participants aged 28 to 75 years with a body mass index between 24 and 40 kg/m²[1]. The results were remarkable: at follow-ups at 6, 12, and 24 months, 86% of participants (12 out of 14) no longer required insulin therapy[1]. All patients maintained glycemic control, with HbA1c levels remaining below 7.5%[1].
This combination of ReCET and Semaglutide shows promising results in the treatment of T2D. Unlike conventional drug therapies that require daily intake, ReCET is a one-time procedure that addresses the issue of continuous patient adherence in T2D treatment[1]. Furthermore, the treatment is disease-modifying, as it improves the patient's insulin sensitivity, thus addressing the root cause of the disease[1].
Researchers are now planning larger randomized controlled trials to further validate these findings and better understand the underlying mechanism of ReCET[1].
Sources:
[1] Novel procedure combined with semaglutide may eliminate insulin … https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-10-procedure-combined-semaglutide-insulin-diabetes.html
[2] Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02026-4
[3] Semaglutide – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semaglutide
[4] Semaglutide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Brands – Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/semaglutide.html
[5] Semaglutide – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/
[6] How does semaglutide work? – Mayo Clinic Diet https://diet.mayoclinic.org/us/blog/2024/how-does-semaglutide-work/
