Investigating the Impact of GLP-1 RA Therapy on Osteosarcopenia in Older Female Adults With Diabetes
Emory University
Summary
The goal of this study is to learn how GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy affects muscle and bone health in older females over age 65 with type 2 diabetes. The main question it aims to answer is whether or not 6 months of GLP-1 RA therapy affects muscle strength. Participants will: * Receive GLP-1 RA therapy as part of their routine clinical care * Complete muscle strength assessments (hand grip strength, Timed Up and Go test) * Provide blood samples for bone turnover markers * Undergo bone mineral density testing
Description
Older females with type 2 diabetes experience a disproportionately high burden of osteosarcopenia, a condition defined by the coexistence of low muscle mass, reduced muscle strength, and decreased bone mineral density. Osteosarcopenia is associated with increased risks of falls, fractures, functional decline, hospitalization, and loss of independence. Diabetes contributes to these risks through multiple mechanisms, including impaired bone microarchitecture, reduced muscle quality, neuropathy-related balance disturbances, and chronic inflammation. These effects are amplified in older women, who…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Postmenopausal women aged 65 years or older * Has type 2 diabetes * Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m² to max 40kg/m2 (inclusive) * Hemoglobin A1c between 7-10% within 3 months of the first visit. * Willingness and ability to comply with all study procedures, including fasting requirements for certain visits. * No osteoporosis confirmed on DEXA scan within 12 months * Able to provide informed consent and participate in all study assessments Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or other types of diabetes that are not T2D * eGFR \<30 ml/min in the la…
Interventions
- DrugSemaglutide
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of T2D at the following doses (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg) that is self-administered weekly using an autoinjector pen. The drug dosage will gradually increase every 4 weeks if tolerated to reach maintenance doses of 2 mg for semaglutide until the end of the study (6 months). If a participant cannot tolerate a dose, the highest tolerable dose will be administered, with continued efforts to increase the dose over time, gradually.
Location
- Grady Memorial HospitalAtlanta, Georgia