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Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Agonist Use in an Adult With Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome.

AACE Endocrinol Diabetes · 2025

Last updated 2026-05-28

A 32-year-old man with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD), obesity, and insulin resistance saw his blood sugar control improve by 5.7% after taking semaglutide for 5 months. His average blood sugar levels dropped, his weight decreased from a BMI of 38.5 to 33.4, and his insulin dose was reduced without side effects. The treatment was introduced due to difficulty managing insulin and a desire to lose weight.

AI summary of the abstract below.

JournalAACE Endocrinol Diabetes, 2025
Citations1
Molecules
Conditions studied Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Cystic fibrosis (CF)-related diabetes (CFRD) is a common extrapulmonary complication of CF, with increasing prevalence. As individuals with CF live longer, obesity rates are increasing, leading to an emerging phenotype called CFRD with metabolic syndrome. The objective of this report is to describe the use of semaglutide in an adult with CFRD, obesity, and clinical insulin resistance. CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old man with CF, pancreatic insufficiency, obesity, and poorly controlled CFRD presented with worsening blood sugar control, increasing insulin requirements, and a strong family history of metabolic syndrome. His body mass index was 38.5 kg/m, and his hemoglobin A1c level ranged from 9.4% to 11.4%. He reported difficulty adhering to insulin therapy and concerns regarding weight and body image. A continuous glucose monitor was initiated; however, it did not significantly improve glycemic control. Given his metabolic profile and desire to lose weight, semaglutide was introduced and gradually increased over 5 months. This improved the hemoglobin A1c level by 5.7%, lowered the mean glucose levels, reduced the body mass index to 33.4 kg/m, and decreased insulin requirements without adverse effects. DISCUSSION: Although insulin is the primary treatment for CFRD, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists may provide additional benefits in carefully selected patients. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the potential benefits of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in CFRD with metabolic syndrome and emphasizes the need for further investigation.

Verbatim abstract via PubMed 40786988 ↗