Ozempic Improves Glucose, Weight, Peripheral Artery Disease in Diabetes Trials

Recent studies have demonstrated multiple health benefits of semaglutide (Ozempic) beyond its established use for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. A 26-week trial showed that semaglutide improved glucose control and reduced weight in adults with type 1 diabetes and obesity, with 36% achieving better glycemic outcomes compared to none in the placebo group. Additionally, semaglutide has been shown to improve walking distance in patients with type 2 diabetes and early peripheral artery disease (PAD), irrespective of baseline diabetes characteristics, suggesting its potential as a novel therapy for PAD. Moreover, research published in JAMA Psychiatry reported that semaglutide significantly reduced alcohol consumption and cravings in individuals with moderate alcohol-use disorder, indicating potential benefits in addiction treatment. While semaglutide is not currently approved for type 1 diabetes due to safety concerns, increasing off-label use and expert consensus support further clinical trials to explore its broader therapeutic potential. These findings highlight semaglutide's expanding role in managing various health conditions, including glycemic control, cardiovascular complications, and behavioral disorders.