DURABILITY OF EFFECTS OF EXENATIDE TREATMENT ON GLYCEMIC CONTROL, BODY WEIGHT, SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE, C-REACTIVE PROTEIN, AND TRIGLYCERIDE CONCENTRATIONS

Objective: To determine (1) whether long-term treatment with exenatide is associated with reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP), systolic blood pressure (BP), and triglyceride concentrations in addition to reductions in body weight and hemoglobin A(1c) (A1C) levels and (2) whether these beneficial results persist without any loss of effect while exenatide is being used, and whether they reverse after its cessation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 141 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with exenatide at a tertiary clinic. Results: Exenatide (mean duration of treatment, 1.4 years) decreased A1C (0.7%), weight (5 kg), systolic BP (8 mm Hg), and triglyceride concentrations (46 mg/dL) (P<.05 for all). Sixty-one patients continued exenatide therapy throughout the study (mean duration of use, 2.4 years). Exenatide treatment reduced their mean weight by 7 kg, systolic BP by 8 mm Hg, triglycerides by 52 mg/dL, A1C by 1.3%, and CRP by 2.4 mg/L (P<.05 for all). Reductions in systolic BP and CRP were not related to weight loss. The reduction in CRP concentration was significantly related to the baseline CRP concentration (r = 0.78; P<.001) and to change in A1C (r = 0.68; P = .02). Patients who stopped taking exenatide had a reversal of the benefits within 6 months after cessation of treatment. Conclusion: Exenatide treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes has durable and persistent beneficial effects on A1C, weight, CRP, systolic BP, and triglyceride concentrations. Cessation of treatment reverses all these beneficial effects within 6 months. There was no evidence of loss of its effects while exenatide treatment was continued.