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Impact of liraglutide on albumin-to-creatinine ratio in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis

Wang F, Xu G, Feng W, Qu G, Li P, Li K

European journal of medical research, 2025

473 participants

Abstract

Aims: Emerging evidence suggested that liraglutide possessed the potential to improve the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to ascertain the impact of liraglutide on ACR in T2DM.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, WanFang and CNKI were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to November 30, 2024 (PROSPERO: CRD52025336785). The data were pooled using fixed- or random-effects models based on the heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments were performed.

Results: Seven RCTs involving 473 participants were included. Liraglutide significantly reduced ACR (WMD: - 11.76 mg/g, 95% CI, - 21.71 to - 1.81, I2 = 75%, P = 0.02) compared to controls (placebo or active drugs). Subgroup analysis revealed significant ACR reductions in patients with HbA1c > 8.0%, follow-up > 12 weeks, and age < 60 years. Meta regression indicated that heterogeneity was not influenced by sample size, HbA1c, baseline ACR, treatment duration, or liraglutide dosage (P = 0.92; 95% CI, - 322.34 to 340.66). The results were stable based in sensitivity analysis, and no publication bias was detected (Begg's P = 0.46; Egger's P = 0.57).

Conclusions: Liraglutide significantly reduced ACR in T2DM, particularly in patients with poor glycemic control, longer treatment duration, and younger age. Future studies with extended follow-up are needed to confirm its renoprotective benefits.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 473 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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