Effect of Semaglutide Combined With Conventional Insulin Therapy on Blood Glucose Control and Renal Function in Elderly Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Poor glycemic control in elderly diabetes patients leads to complications like nephropathy. Semaglutide (SEM), a GLP-1 receptor agonist, may improve both blood glucose (BG) control and renal function (RF). This study evaluates the effects of SEM combined with insulin therapy on BG and RF. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 220 elderly type 2 diabetes patients from January 2023 to May 2024. Patients were assigned to either a control group (CG, insulin therapy) or an observation group (OG, SEM + insulin). Key outcomes included BG levels, insulin indices, vascular function, RF, and safety parameters. RESULTS: SEM reduced FPG, 2hPG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, VEGF, ET-1, 24hUpr, and UACR, while improving HOMA-β, NO, and eGFR. The OG showed greater weight loss compared to CG. No significant differences in adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: SEM combined with insulin therapy effectively controls BG, improves insulin function, and may offer short-term renal protective benefits in elderly diabetes patients; however, long-term studies are needed to confirm effects on CKD progression.