Semaglutide effects on visceral fat and liver in people with chronic kidney disease
Region-specific Adipose Tissues and Liver Changes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
This project will see if people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease who take semaglutide have less belly and liver fat than similar people not taking the drug.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT07187830 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational imaging study comparing adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease who are taking semaglutide to those who are not. Participants will undergo MRI scans to measure fat around the heart, liver, and kidneys, including liver fat quantification, and study staff will collect medical history, medications, and basic demographic and clinical data. The study enrolls adults with T2DM for at least 18 months and CKD stages G1–G4, and does not alter participants' treatments. Data will be analyzed to see associations between semaglutide use and visceral or hepatic fat measures in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes for at least 18 months and chronic kidney disease stages G1–G4 who can undergo MRI and provide informed consent are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with kidney failure on dialysis (stage G5), pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those planning pregnancy without contraception, and patients unable to consent or with MRI contraindications are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help clinicians understand whether semaglutide reduces visceral and liver fat in people with diabetes and CKD and inform treatment decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide have shown weight loss and reductions in liver fat, but MRI-based data specifically in people with CKD remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients ≥ 18 years of age. * Patients diagnosed with T2DM (\>18 months) and CKD in stages G1, G2, G3a, G3b and G4; the CKD staging will be established according to the eGFR as per the KDIGO guidelines (G1: eGFR ≥90 ml/min/1.73m2; G2: 60-89 ml/min/1.73m2; G3a: 45-59 ml/min/1.73m2; G3b: 30-44 ml/ min/1.73m2; G4: 15-29 ml/ min/1.73m2). * Patients with T2DM and CKD, with or without semaglutide treatment. * Patients who voluntarily agree to participate and sign informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients \<18 years of age. * Pregnant, breastfeeding, or an intention of becoming pregnant or not using adequate contraceptive measures (including country-specific adequate measures, if any) * Patients diagnosed with T2DM and CKD in stage G5 or stage G4 requiring dialysis as per KDIGO guidelines. * Previous participation in this trial (screened or randomized) * Patients diagnosed with neuropsychiatric diseases that prevent them from understanding the benefits/risks associated with the project or voluntarily choosing to participate. * Known or suspected allergy to trial medication(s), excipients, or related products * Contraindications to study medication(s), worded specifically as stated in the Product Monograph * Refusal to participate or consent revocation.
Where this trial is running
Edmonton, Alberta
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paolo Raggi, M.D — University of Alberta
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.