The Link Between Cardiovascular Disease And Type 2 Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among people living with type 2 diabetes. In the UK, one in four people admitted to hospital with a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure has diabetes, with the condition contributing to over 590 heart attacks and 770 strokes every week (Diabetes UK).
Improving treatment options and long-term outcomes for this high‑risk population has long been a priority for both researchers and clinicians.
Transforming Care For Patients With Increased Cardiovascular Risk
Seminal research led by diabetes clinician, Professor Steve Bain at Swansea University, has played a central role in reshaping how type 2 diabetes is managed for patients with increased cardiovascular risk.
Over the last decade, a series of clinical trials have taken place, supporting the development of semaglutide, a GLP‑1 receptor agonist (a type of medication that mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar, reducing appetite and slowing digestion).
Semaglutide helps the body to increase insulin production when needed, reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver, and slowing down the rate food is digested.
Through their research and rigorous international trials, Professor Bain and his team have helped establish the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide as both an injectable and oral treatment, which is a critical step in changing care.
A More Flexible Therapy
Endorsed by global medical advisory boards, including the American Diabetes Association, European Association for the Study of Diabetes, and NICE, the evidence of these successful trials has propelled semaglutide to be the leading therapy in its field, offering advantages over previous treatments.
One of the key innovations supporting the uptake of semaglutide is the development of more flexible treatment options, including oral administration. This provides an additional way of taking the medication, easing pressure on diabetes clinics and improving adherence for patients who prefer to avoid injections.
Potential For Chronic Weight Management
The closely connected risks between diabetes and obesity are well known, with obesity being the highest risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes (Diabetes UK) therefore it is unsurprising that a drug developed to manage type 2 diabetes could also support significant weight reduction, a powerful dual benefit.
Semaglutide slows down how quickly food is digested, helping individuals to stay fuller for longer, which can lead to weight loss. At a higher adjusted dosage, semaglutide is the active medication used in Wegovy, a highly publicised weight-loss management injection.
This additional use has brought semaglutide significant public attention beyond its ground-breaking use in diabetic care. Although weight-loss injections carry well-documented risks, notably due to high costs and lack of online regulation, when prescribed under medical guidance, they are highly effective for those with chronic obesity.
Legitimate prescriptions, however, are extremely limited, with only 10 available per month in the Swansea Health Board. This has contributed to a significant increase in unregulated online purchases of the drug at a high cost – approximately 1.2 million at £300 monthly – creating a complex healthcare challenge.
These unregulated purchases raise concerns around patient safety and have also contributed to a global shortage in supply of semaglutide in recent years (Diabetes UK), limiting access to the drug for those who need it to reduce their cardiovascular risk. At the same time, the success of semaglutide highlights the importance of regulated prescribing, and fair access to the drug to ensure patients can reap the benefits of this ground-breaking therapy.
Lasting Impact On Metabolic Care
Professor Bain’s research has had a direct and lasting influence on clinical practice and patient care, embedding semaglutide into diabetes treatment pathways worldwide, and influencing and shaping UK prescribing and reimbursement policies. This has helped to position Swansea University as a leader in diabetes and cardiovascular innovation.
With world-class clinical facilities that attract major industry partners, Swansea University enables clinicians across the region to gain early access to advanced cardiometabolic treatments, improving patient care and cementing the University’s position at the forefront of health innovation.
Professor Bain’s work exemplifies how the research taking place at Swansea University is having real-world impact. The introduction of semaglutide into clinical practice is improving care and outcomes for patients living with type 2 diabetes and associated cardiovascular risk, whilst also supporting healthcare systems. It has influenced guidelines, strengthened global clinical decision making, and showcases how world-leading research can result in better care and improved health outcomes.
