Effect of liraglutide on subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with type 1 diabetes: A prospective pilot study.

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of liraglutide on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and cardiometabolic risk in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: We conduct a prospective, quasi-experimental study including adults aged 15-60 years with T1D, suboptimal control and on basal-bolus insulin regimen. Participants received liraglutide 1.8 mg/day for 24 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, laboratory parameters, insulin sensitivity (estimated glucose disposal rate, eGDR) and CIMT (high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography) were assessed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. Paired t-tests, Wilcoxon-signed rank tests and McNemar's tests were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: Thirty-five participants (median age 36 years; 57.1% women) were included. Baseline mean HbA1c was 67 mmol/mol (8.3%), CIMT 0.54 ± 0.13 mm, and median diabetes duration 11 years. After 24 weeks, liraglutide did not significantly modify CIMT (0.54 vs. 0.58 mm; p = 0.151). However, significant improvements were observed in waist circumference (82.5-79 cm; p = 0.004), body weight (70-66.7 kg; p < 0.001), BMI (25.5-24.3 kg/m; p < 0.001), triglycerides (94-75 mg/dL; p = 0.02) and eGDR (7.9-8.9 mg/kg/min; p = 0.003). HbA1c improved at 12 weeks but was not sustained at week 24. No severe hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, emergency visits or hospitalizations occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In adults with T1D, liraglutide improved several cardiometabolic risk factors and insulin sensitivity, although no significant short-term effects on CIMT were observed. Larger long-term trials are needed to clarify its potential role in cardiovascular prevention in this population.