Diabetes Case Reports

The efficacy and safety of once-daily oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes during Ramadan: A prospective observational study in Kuwait

8^th Annual Meeting on Diabetes and Endocrinology

November 06-07, 2025 | Dubai, UAE

Amna Shaghouli, Talal Muzaffar, Habib Steitieh, Khaled Khudadah, Muneera AlRandi, Guruprasad Subbarao, Shashikanth Chetty, Ahmed Shalaby

Glycemia Clinic, Kuwait

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

Background: Once-daily oral semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), is recognized for its strong efficacy in improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its role in weight management by promoting weight loss. This study evaluated its efficacy and safety during the 2023 Ramadan fast, a period associated with unique metabolic challenges. Methods: This prospective, observational study was a sub analysis of the O-SEMAâ??FAST study, which included 87 adults with T2D from Kuwait intending to fast during Ramadan. Endpoints were assessed pre-Ramadan and after 20 weeks. Adjusted means and changes in HbA1c (%) and body weight were estimated using a regression model controlling for covariates. Results: Mean HbA1c (%) decreased from 6.75 ± 1.33 at baseline to 6.43 ± 1.20 at study end. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and baseline HbA1c, the mean difference was 0.32% (p = 0.021) (Figure 1). Mean body weight decreased from 90.41 kg ± 18.86 to 88.44 ± 19.68 kg (p < 0.001). Adjusted weight declined from 88.64 kg to 88.16 kg [95% CI = 87.33 88.98] (p-value = 0.045), and mean BMI decreased from 32.65 ± 5.98 kg/m² to 32.28 ± 6.0 kg/m² at the end of the study (p < 0.001). A significantly greater proportion of adherent participants achieved â?¥0.5% HbA1c reduction versus non adherent participants (43% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.0001). No significant difference in â?¥5% BMI reduction was observed between the two groups (20% vs. 15%, p = 0.585). Oral semaglutide was well tolerated, with no severe adverse events reported. Conclusion: Oral semaglutide use during Ramadan fasting was associated with significant reductions in HbA1c, body weight, and BMI, with a tolerable safety profile and minimal adverse events. These findings suggest oral semaglutide may be a useful therapeutic option for people with T2D observing Ramadan, though further evaluation is warranted.

Biography :

Dr. Amna Shaghouli is a Consultant Endocrinologist and the visionary founder and manager of the Glycemia Clinic in Kuwait. The clinic offers a holistic patient-centered model of care. Deeply committed to improving endocrine care in Kuwait, Dr. Shaghouli has published and presented widely on diabetes and related topics. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC) and has completed postgraduate programs in Endocrinology and Metabolism and Internal Medicine.