Risk of Stroke in Real-World US Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Semaglutide or a Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitor

Introduction People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a higher risk of stroke and worse outcomes than those without T2D. Pooled data from randomized controlled trials indicate that the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist semaglutide is associated with stroke risk reduction in people with T2D at high cardiovascular risk. We compared real-world stroke risk in people with T2D or T2D plus atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) initiating either semaglutide or a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor (DPP4i). Methods Adults (≥ 18 years old) in a US claims database with a claim indicating initiation of either semaglutide or a DPP4i (index date) during the index period (1 January 2018–30 September 2020), a diagnosis code for T2D on or before the index date and at least 12 months’ continuous enrolment in the database pre-index were included and propensity score matched 1:1 on baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. The primary outcome was time to first stroke event during follow-up. Healthcare resource utilization was also compared between groups. Results The analysis included 17,920 matched pairs with T2D and 4234 matched pairs with T2D and ASCVD. The groups were well matched on baseline characteristics. People initiating semaglutide had a lower risk of stroke over short-term follow-up than those initiating a DPP4i (T2D: hazard ratio 0.63 [95% confidence interval 0.41–0.95], p = 0.029; T2D plus ASCVD: 0.45 [0.24–0.86], p = 0.015). Semaglutide was also associated with a lower rate of inpatient, outpatient and emergency room visits compared with a DPP4i. Conclusion This proof-of-concept analysis indicates that semaglutide has the potential to reduce the risk of stroke in people with T2D when prescribed in clinical practice. Graphical Abstract