From the Research
Rybelsus (semaglutide) reduces several laboratory values beyond LDL in type 2 diabetics, including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, while potentially increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol slightly, as shown in a recent study published in 2025 1.
Key Laboratory Values Reduced by Rybelsus
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by approximately 1-1.4%
- Fasting plasma glucose levels
- Postprandial glucose excursions
- Total cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol
Additional Benefits of Rybelsus
- Reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation
- Potential decrease in liver enzymes like ALT and AST in patients with fatty liver disease
- Improvement in insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk factors
Mechanism of Action
Rybelsus, as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, slows gastric emptying, increases insulin secretion, decreases glucagon release, reduces appetite, and improves insulin sensitivity, leading to its therapeutic effects in type 2 diabetics, as supported by studies such as 2 and 3.
Clinical Implications
The medication's impact on multiple metabolic parameters explains why it provides cardiovascular benefits beyond just glucose control in type 2 diabetics, making it a valuable treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes, as demonstrated in a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine 1.