EFFECTS OF LIRAGLUTIDE ON BONE TURNOVER MARKERS AND BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS.

AIM: This study examines the impact of liraglutide on bone turnover markers and bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial included 100 participants who were assigned to receive either liraglutide in combination with metformin (n=50) or metformin alone (n=50) for a duration of 48 weeks. RESULTS: Analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in metabolic parameters, including glucose and lipid metabolism, in the liraglutide group compared to controls (P < 0.001). Notably, male participants exhibited enhanced bone turnover markers, evidenced by increases in N-terminal mid-region osteocalcin (N-MID) and total type I collagen amino-terminal propeptide (TPINP), alongside decreases in the C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX). Conversely, female participants did not demonstrate significant changes in these markers. Additionally, liraglutide effectively mitigated BMD loss observed at the femoral neck and lumbar spine in the treatment group. These findings underscore liraglutide's potential benefits in metabolic regulation and its role in supporting bone health, particularly in male patients. Further research is essential to conclusively define these effects and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.