Alleviating Carbohydrate Counting Using Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide Injections in People with Type 1 Diabetes on Closed-Loop Insulin Therapy: a 2x4 Factorial Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
A closed-loop insulin system, often labelled the artificial pancreas (AP), consists of an insulin pump, a continuous glucose monitor, and an interface coordinating between them to regulate insulin dosage based on glucose levels. Primarily designed for managing type 1 diabetes, this system has demonstrated significant benefits in previous studies. Yet, despite these advantages, certain challenges persist. Semaglutide, utilized in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, is a once-weekly injectable medication that elevates levels of a gastrointestinal hormone known as Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone alters gastric emptying, inhibits glucagon release, and reduces appetite. While not officially sanctioned for type 1 diabetes treatment in North America, studies have explored its efficacy as an adjunctive therapy alongside insulin, yielding favorable outcomes in blood glucose regulation. Comparable drugs like liraglutide and exenatide have been employed in type 1 diabetes treatment as well, albeit with less pronounced glucose-regulating effects compared to semaglutide, even in type 2 diabetes. The goal of this 50-week randomized placebo-controlled crossover 2x4 factorial designed trial is to assess whether commercial automated insulin delivery (AID) systems using rapid-acting insulin with adjunct weekly injections of semaglutide (at the maximally tolerated dose) can replace carbohydrate counting with simple meal announcements (SMA) without degrading glucose control.
• At least 18 years of age
• A clinical diagnosis of T1D for at least one year, as per their treating diabetes physician in agreement with the primary investigator's clinical judgment (confirmatory C-peptide and antibodies will not be required)
• Minimum 3-month use of a commercial advanced automated insulin delivery system. 4.4. Agreement to use an effective method of birth control for individuals with child-bearing potential. Child-bearing potential refers to participants of the female sex post-menarche who have not reached menopause and who do not have a medical condition causing sterility (e.g., hysterectomy). Post-menopausal state refers to the absence of menses for 12 months without any alternative cause.