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

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, I = 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.